8th August, 2019
Scarcity of petroleum has resurfaced in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as the leadership tussle by members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) deepened.
Report says the development has given room to black market dealers to return to the streets, as filling stations closed shops, with a litre of fuel selling for N200 and N250 against N145.
The State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has, however, announced the suspension of the activities of IPMAN after observing the crisis between the leadership of the association in the state.
Ayade further constituted a three-man task force to address the issue of fuel scarcity.
The members of the task force are Chief Tony Undiandeye, Chairman, Pastor Barr Edem Ekong, member and Rt. Hon Itaya Nyong member.
According to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Aye Henshaw in a press statement directed the task force members to liaise with the relevant stakeholders, including the Police, IPMAN as well as other stakeholders to resolve the issue within 24 hours and return all filling stations to full operations.
“In view of the recent fuel scarcity in the state which has brought untold hardship to the citizenry, government has constituted a three man task force to liaise with the relevant stakeholders and address the issue in the interest of the public.
“The task force is also charged with liaising with the state commissioner of Police, IPMAN as well as other stakeholders to resolve the issue within 24 hours and return all filling stations to full operations.
“Members of the public are therefore requested to remain calm as government is doing everything possible to restore the fuel situation to normalcy”, he said.