Compliance Low In Ebonyi

THE reduction of petrol price is yet to be effected in Ebonyi State. It was learnt that NNPC mega station and Total filling station at Bogotá Road are the only filling stations in the state selling at the new pump price of N87.

  When The Guardian visited Zescco, Tycoo, Anal World and Sunipet along Afikpo Road, it was discovered that most filling stations are still selling at the old price of N97. The story was the same at Mobil, MRS, NIPCO, Oando and Conoil. The marketers told The Guardian that it was difficult to adjust to the new price in the face of old stock. 

  One of the workers at Zescco who spoke to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity revealed that the filling station would adjust to the new price after the old stock has been exhausted.

  According to him, “We bought this product at old price of N97 and two days later the federal government announced the reduction of the pump price. But we have to recoup our money.”

  He continued: “If we sell at N87, the company will be at loss. We will adjust to the new product price after we have finished selling this old product. “ 

  The state government has directed all the marketers to adjust to the new pump price, or have their stations seal.

  The Commissioner for Works and Supervisor for Petroleum Distribution and Pricing, Engr. Chukwuma Nwadiugo, gave the warning after monitoring the level of compliance. He, however, felt disappointed at the poor level of compliance, adding that the government would not sit down and watch things go wrong.

  He called on the marketers to adjust to the new pump price or face sanction. He revealed the state would set up monitoring team to monitor the level of compliance.

  A commuter who simply identified himself as Mr. Paul thanked the federal government for the reduction of the fuel pump price, noting that the reduction will not only boost the economy, but will also restore confidence in government.

  He called on all the relevant regulatory bodies in the country to make sure there is total compliance.

  A transporter, Mr. Eze Dennis, told The Guardian that he was surprised to see that marketers have not adjusted to the new price. 

  “I am here to fuel my car, hoping to buy at the new pump price of N87. But to my greatest surprise, they are still selling at the old price,” he said.

  The National President of Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Chinedu Okoronkwo, told The Guardian over the phone that the reduction of official fuel pump price from N97 to N87 was timely and essential, especially now that our economy is being regarded globally as one of the fastest growing economy in the world.

  He praised the federal government for providing enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive, adding that reduction of the fuel price would boost the nation’s economy.

  On the level of compliance by oil marketers, the IPMAN president pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with petroleum marketers across the country, as they put machinery in place to comply.