Tanker owners have threatened to discontinue the distribution of fuel to all parts of the country if the current prohibitive costs of their operations remain as it is by the end of the month. According to them, the situation is adversely affecting the smooth distribution of fuel and their ability and desire to remain in business since all they earn under the circumstances are losses rather than profits.
Complaints of the tanker owners include a high cost of inputs, such as spare parts, tyres, bank charges, lubricants, the recent increase in user fees like licensing, road tolls and the sudden demand and increment in drivers’ salaries and allowances.
The Association says its members have had to grapple with several vehicle inspection exercises with private garages as safety measures prescribed by Oil Marketing Companies, a measure that is also adding up their cost operations.
A statement signed by the National Chairman of the Tanker Owners Association, Ben Atsu Agbomanyi urged the Energy Ministry to step in to defuse the rising tension among members to prevent the termination of fuel distribution by the tanker owners.
