YOLA, Nigeria – Motorists in Nigeria’s northeast faced long lines and inflated prices at black markets on Monday after nearly 2,000 petrol stations abruptly shut down. The closures stem from a dispute between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
IPMAN, which represents gas station owners in Adamawa and Taraba states, alleges unfair targeting by customs in their anti-smuggling operations. Dahiru Buba, IPMAN chairman for the region, claims customs impounded tanker trucks and closed stations based on suspicion of smuggling petrol to neighboring Cameroon.
The shutdown is a response to what IPMAN views as an escalation of “Operation Whirlwind,” a customs initiative aimed at curbing fuel smuggling. Buba stated that previous truck seizures were resolved through dialogue, but the recent actions left them with no choice but to strike.
“This is our business, and we cannot be silent when our members are treated this way,” Buba said, confirming the closure of over 1,800 gas stations.
Customs, however, maintains they are simply enforcing regulations. Mangsi Lazarus, a spokesperson for Adamawa and Taraba customs, asserts the seized trucks were actively involved in smuggling activities.
The dispute has created a vacuum filled by black market vendors. In Yola, the capital of Adamawa, these vendors were quick to capitalize on the shortage, selling petrol for nearly double the official pump price – 1,400 naira per liter compared to the usual range of 650-750 naira.
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