A recent fuel market survey in Abia, covering cities like Aba and Umuahia, shows that many petroleum marketers have begun lifting fuel directly from the NNPC, driving down the product’s price.
Fuel prices in Abia State have decreased from N1,300-N1,350 per liter to between N1,150 and N1,200, following the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) opening its portal for direct fuel supply requests and payments by members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
Speaking on the matter, Mazi Oliver Okolo, Executive Chairman of the IPMAN Aba branch, attributed the price reduction to improved fuel supply. “The flow from the NNPC has improved, and we expect prices to drop further,” he explained. Okolo added that the NNPC had opened its supply portal last Saturday, allowing marketers to place orders and make payments. “By next week, we anticipate receiving supplies, which should further reduce prices.”
Okolo emphasized that the solution to stable and affordable fuel prices lies in strengthening the direct supply chain from the NNPC. He also called for the reopening of hinterland depots, such as Aba’s, to boost local distribution.
“If fuel can be delivered directly to Aba depot, whether imported or locally refined, we could see prices drop to N900 or lower per liter,” Okolo stated, adding that better infrastructure, including depot access roads, is essential.
He acknowledged the efforts of the state government, particularly Governor Alex Otti, for approving the rehabilitation of the Osisioma-NNPC-Ekeakpara road, which is crucial for fuel distribution. Okolo noted that many marketers are struggling with reduced capital due to high costs of sourcing fuel from third parties but expressed optimism that the direct supply system would ease this burden.
