The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised alarm over the circulation of low density grade of automotive gas oil (AGO), also known as diesel, in the south-east region of the country.
Chairman, IPMAN, Enugu depot community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, Chinedu Anyaso, who made this known in Awka on Sunday, revealed the leadership of IPMAN had received reports of damaged vehicles and industrial machines from members of the public as a result of suspected off-spec diesel.
He said the association had set up a taskforce to unravel the syndicate responsible for the distribution of the unwholesome product in the zone.
The IPMAN chairman said the distribution of such petroleum products was not just a two-fold hazard for customers, but also an economic sabotage which should be discouraged by all.
According to him, “We have received reports of possible fake product in circulation which has affected vehicles and machines negatively, so we are advising that they be more careful.
“On our part as an association, we have already set up a taskforce to monitor the situation and find out those who are responsible for sourcing and distributing the product across the zone, he said.
Anyaso urged marketers, especially those who do not buy from depots, to ensure that the products they are procuring are authentic, as ignorance on the part of defaulters would not be tolerated.
He added that IPMAN would work with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and relevant security agencies towards removing the unwholesome product from circulation.
