Concern has been expressed by oil marketers regarding the lightness of Premium Motor Spirit, often known as petrol, in some filling stations, adding that the goods are below the standard set by the Nigerian Midstream and Upstream Regulatory Authority.
The Times reported that the marketers attributed this to a shortage of locally refined petrol while describing some of the imported goods as vanishing and short-lived.
The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr John Keke Ocha, announced this at the National Executive Council of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria in Abuja.
Ocha argued that the lack of sufficient legitimate domestic petroleum refining has made it necessary for the importation of a wide range of goods to satisfy consumer needs, leaving consumers with no other option.
The top official of IPMAN asked the Federal Government to examine itself to make sure the public and private refineries are operating properly.
“The house prays that government will look inward to make sure that our refineries are used to make room for a reduction of this high petroleum product importation, as we are saying today,” he stated.
“Many folks never use their cars again. If you put N20,000 or N30,000 worth of fuel in your automobile, it would be gone in two days. I’m not sure if it’s dissipating.
“I’m not sure if the product we currently have is any different from the original one we previously purchased.
“This is because importers can now easily bring in very light goods of all kinds thanks to the competition. And since we have no other option, we accept it.”
He added, “However, if we produce it here, we will have an option. We’ll choose if we produce in this country. It will become even more affordable and competitive if we produce here.”
He emphasized that the government must turn inward and make life simple for citizens by ensuring refineries are set up and functional, according to the house’s request.
However, there hasn’t yet been an official response from the NMDPRA on the subject matter.
