Reduce pump price of fuel now – KSCPC tells IPMAN

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC) has urged the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, saying consumers deserve to benefit from the recent drop in global petroleum prices.
The appeal was made by the Executive Chairman of the KSCPC, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, during a meeting with the leadership of IPMAN aimed at finding lasting solutions to the rising cost of petroleum products in Kano State.

According to a statement issued by Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, Director of Education and Public Enlightenment of the KSCPC, the council expressed concern that petrol prices have remained high despite the decline in international market prices.

Muhammad said the continued high cost of fuel is placing an unnecessary burden on residents and called on marketers to reflect the changes in the global market by reducing pump prices.

“Consumers deserve fair prices, and marketers should do the needful by reducing the cost of petrol in line with the current market reality,” he said.

The KSCPC chairman also raised concerns over persistent complaints from consumers about fuel under-dispensing at some filling stations across the state.

He urged IPMAN to strengthen its internal monitoring system to ensure that filling stations dispense the correct quantity of fuel and sell products at fair prices.

“Protecting consumers is a shared responsibility. Marketers must ensure that customers receive the quantity of fuel they pay for while maintaining fair pricing,” Muhammad said.

Responding, the Chairman of IPMAN in Kano State, Alhaji Gana Abubakar, explained that marketers had yet to reduce pump prices because much of the fuel currently being sold was purchased before the recent drop in market prices.

According to him, the higher cost of the existing stock has made it difficult for marketers to immediately adjust prices.

He, however, assured consumers that relief is on the way.

“Noticeable price adjustments would be made as new supplies purchased at lower prices become available,” Abubakar said.