Following the continuous shutdown of filling stations in Adamawa State by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the black marketers have been having invigorating business as the cost of the product has gone up astronomical.

The closing down of all the filling stations is sequel to a protest by IPMAN accusing members of Operation Whirlwind of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for illegal harassment and confiscation of goods.

As of the time of filling this report on Tuesday, the price of four litres of petrol spiked to #5000 while twenty-five litres of the product is sold at #35,000, making the black marketers stretch out into all the major streets in the State Capital, Yola.

It was reported that following IPMAN action, all filling stations in the state were forcibly closed providing the businesses a very conducive environment to operate leaving commuters stranded in their attempts to reach their destinations.

However, with fuel shortages affecting transport services, the few available tricycles (Keke Napep) riders hiked fares by up to 200 per cent, rendering transportation unaffordable for many residents, especially civil servants.

According to Comrade Abdulmaliki Bello, Secretary of IPMAN in Adamawa State, IPMAN has constantly maintained and accused customs officers under the code name Operation Whirlwind for not conducting lawful operations, instead, they are confiscating, harassing their members as well as intimidating and the illegal seizure of tankers and petroleum products thereby causing significant financial losses to their detriment.

IPMAN therefore issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Customs Service, demanding adherence to legal procedures to avoid further disruptions that could lead to industrial actions within the petroleum supply chain.

He also assured the citizens of the State that the situation would soon improve due to the intervention of the State Deputy Governor and other Stakeholders, adding that all the filling stations would be reopened anytime from now but was not specific on the time and date as at the time of filling this report.

Meanwhile, critics have condemned IPMANs decision, suggesting that the association should focus on preventing the illegal diversion of petroleum products rather than shutting down essential services.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while collaborating in the same vein believes that with the intervention of the State Government normalcy would soon be returned to the sector.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, he denied all the allegations levelled against the Customs saying the allegations are far from the truth. (New Telegraph)