Fuel scarcity in Anambra as petroleum marketers protest demolition of stations

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Anambra State has closed fuel stations, plunging the state to hardship. The group acted in response to the recent demolition of some stations in the state. Residents of the state on Wednesday woke to the news of the strike, keeping motorists at home and causing the people of Anambra to trek long distances.

The Anambra government had recently demolished some fuel stations which were deemed to be sited too close to residential areas.

Some members of IPMAN, while reacting to the demolition, accused the government of malice, insisting that the demolition was carried out maliciously.

A petroleum marketer, who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of anonymity as he was not permitted to speak to the press, said the marketers were embarking on strike to press for compensation for their colleagues whose petrol stations were destroyed.

He said, “Our pain is that the affected filling stations were built with government approval, but this government has demolished them on the excuse that they were sited close to residential areas, not minding that the owners of the filling stations obtained approval and paid to government before building them.

“We are asking for compensation for our members over the demolition of their properties,” the source said.

News of the strike filtered into town late on Tuesday, causing residents to engage in panic-buying in fuel stations that were opened.

DAILY POST correspondent, who monitored the situation, found that fuel stations remained open, attending to customers who formed long queues at designated stations until the wee hours of the morning.

The Anambra State chairman of IPMAN, Chief Cletus Obiokafor declined speaking to journalists when contacted. He said his office did not authorize the industrial action and would not want to speak on it.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr Don Adinuba, when approached on telephone over the development, also declined comment.

DAILY POST however learnt that as a result of the panic caused by the strike, the State Director of DSS, Yusuf Isyaku has invited the leadership of IPMAN and representatives of government for a resolution.

As at the time of filing this report, petrol stations in the state were still shutdown.

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