IPMAN: Why 1,800 petrol stations in north-east halted operations

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says over 1,800 fuel stations have been shut in the north-east to protest against an anti-smuggling operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

On Monday, Dahiru Buba, IPMAN chairman for Adamawa and Taraba states, said petrol stations halted operations after the NCS impounded tanker trucks, according to Reuters.

He said the NCS also shut some fuel outlets on suspicion they were smuggling petrol to Cameroon.

Under “Operation Whirlwind,” the Customs initially confiscated some tanker trucks belonging to IPMAN members and released them after the association protested.

However, Buba said more trucks were impounded and several fuel stations were shut, prompting other fuel retailers to close outlets collectively in protest.

“We wrote to them (Nigeria Customs) again but there were no responses that is why we decided to go on strike,” Buba said. 

He added that over 1,800 outlets suspended operation.

“This is our business and we cannot be quiet when our members are treated this way,” he said

However, Mangsi Lazarus, Customs spokesperson for Adamawa and Taraba, told Reuters that tanker trucks were seized because they were being used to smuggle petrol.

Following the development, petrol sells for as high as N2,000 per litre in the state, according to a NAN report on Tuesday. 

The publication said most fuel stations in Yola are closed and motorists can only get petrol from black marketers in some parts of the state.