Anambra State government has assured residents of the state of adequate supply of petroleum products, saying oil marketers and dealers in the state were not on strike.
Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anthony Ifeanya gave the assurance on Wednesday following closure of petrol stations in the state by the Independent Petroleum Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
The development had led to sharp increase in transport fare by motorists, while residents resorted to trekking long distances to their destinations.
Ifeanya said he earlier had a meeting with the marketers immediately after announcement on fuel subsidy removal.
He explained that the association decided to hold subsequent meeting slated for Wednesday in furtherance of their previous discussion during their June 6th 2023, meeting.
“We earlier had an understanding with IPMAN and Petrol Dealers in the state to the effect that since government has removed subsidy finally; fuel stations must, not manipulate their pumps, must not hoard fuel to cause unnecessary scarcity, must sell all petroleum products on acceptable price agreed and approved by all across the state,” he said.
Assuring residents that the meeting was to their interest, the Commissioner stressed that reason for closure of fuel stations was to ensure marketers attended the vital meeting in full as agreed by leadership of Anambra oil marketeers association and its relevant bodies.
He called on people of the state to go about their businesses and avoid panic buying, assuring soon resumption of fuel stations shortly after marketers were done with their meeting as scheduled.
A resident, Prof. Dennis Aribodo called for dialogue between government and marketers to ensure further sufferings were not inflicted on the masses.
“Every organization has the right to protest. But they need to consider the effect of their actions, particularly when the masses are not duly sensitized to plan their movements.
“Government’s plan to improve infrastructure is a good one, but those affected in the process should be properly compensated. Besides, IPMAN should not add to the already suffering the masses are undergoing,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu depot covering six states including Anambra , Mr Chinedu Anyaso said the shutting down of filling stations was to ensure compliance of members to emergency general meeting scheduled in Awka, the state capital.
He said the meeting was to deliberate on the recent marking of about 16 filling stations in Ekwulobia, to give way for construction of proposed flyover in the area.
He however refuted claims that the development was intended to cause any harm or to further increase petrol pump price.
He said, “16 filling stations were marked for demolition in Ekwulobia axis by the Anambra State government to give way for the proposed construction of a flyover and adjourning roads in the area.
“Our members are willing to comply, there is need for the government to reach an agreement with them as regards to compensation because the facilities are the only source of income to the owners.
“We have written to the Anambra State government over the development, but was yet to receive a reply, hence the meeting, which is to discuss on how to further engage for the overall interest of its members and the motoring public.”
Chairman, Petrol Dealers Association (PEDAN) Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi Okafor confirmed soon resumption of fuel stations.
