Kebbi State government has appealed to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to cooperate to reduce the hardship caused by the fuel scarcity in the state. The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Mamuda Warra, made the plea on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. He said the government was aware of the challenges faced by the marketers and the public due to the scarcity of petrol across the country.

Warra said the government was working with relevant agencies to ensure adequate supply and distribution of petrol in the state. He urged marketers to avoid hoarding, profiteering, and diversion of the product. He also advised them to sell petrol at the approved pump price of N165 per liter. He warned that anyone caught violating the regulations would face sanctions.

The commissioner also appealed to the public to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the situation would soon improve. He said the government was committed to ensuring the welfare and security of the people of Kebbi State.

The fuel scarcity in Nigeria has been attributed to various factors, such as supply disruptions, rising costs, exchange rate fluctuations, freight charges, and regulatory issues. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is the sole importer of petrol in the country, has assured Nigerians that it has enough stock to meet the demand. However, many fuel stations have been closed or have long queues of motorists waiting to buy petrol.

The fuel scarcity has also affected other sectors of the economy, such as transportation, power generation, and small businesses. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration and anger over the situation, calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Some experts have suggested that Nigeria should revive its refineries and encourage private sector participation in the downstream sector. They also urged the government to fully deregulate the petrol market and allow market forces to determine the price.

The federal government has said it is committed to addressing the challenges in the petroleum sector and ensuring a smooth transition to a deregulated market. It has also said it is exploring alternative energy sources, such as gas, solar, and biofuels, to reduce dependence on petrol.

Source: Tribune Online