Anambra state government seeks reduction in prices of petroleum products
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barrister Anthony Ikechukwu Ifeanya has met with Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN) Anambra State to deliberate on the continuous increase and uneven Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices in the state against the agreed price of ₦280, the association had with the state government.
The Commissioner while reading the letter sent to him by the Civil Rights Activists on the issue of fuel hike in the state, told the dealers that hike in PMS has led to fare increase by transporters, affecting commuters’ daily activities.
The Vice Chairman, PEDAN, Anambra State, Mr. Emmanuel Ekwue explained that the price issues were because dealers were unable to obtain the product, adding that some of the dealers were yet to receive products they ordered since November, 2022.
He noted that obtaining the products when they are finally available would also mean making extra payments to match the current prices of PMS per litre, calling on government to offer reliefs to the dealers especially as they go beyond Enugu depot originally designated to them to source for fuel as the depot is no longer functional.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) representative, Mr. Chibueze Umeugochukwu added that dealers currently sell PMS in line with prices they obtained the products from other depots in the country.
Mr. Umeugochukwu pleaded with the Federal government to fix the refineries in the country as the cost and time expended in taking petroleum outside the country for refining cause the unavailability of PMS in the country and the hike in price by dealers once there is fuel scarcity.
Ever since the yuletide,PMS has been selling for ₦300 – ₦400 in Anambra State.
The Commissioner went further to express his disapointment on the poor response of the N120,000.00 yearly due to be paid by petroleum dealers, adding that not up to one quarter of the fuel stations in the state have paid.
Concluding the meeting, the Commissioner urged them to make use of their conscience while fixing the PMS prices and not to be concerned only about making profit.
