The Independent Petroleum Association of Nigeria IPMAN, says the shutting down of filling stations in Anambra State was not intended to cause any harm to the motoring public or to further increase pump price of petrol as being speculated by some people.
The Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu depot covering six states including Anambra , Mr Chinedu Anyaso stated this while speaking in a telephone conversation.
Filling stations in Anambra on Wednesday morning closed down thereby causing panic and slight increase in fares as motorists feared that there may be plans for another increase.
Mr Anyaso said the shutting down was to ensure that all its members Comply and attend its emergency general meeting in Awka where issues concerning them will be deliberated .
According to him, sixteen filling stations were marked for demolition in Ekwulobia axis by the Anambra state government to give way for the proposed construction of a flyover and adjourning roads in the area.
Mr Anyaso said though the members were willing to comply, there was the need for the government to reach an agreement with them as regards to compensation because the facilities are the only source of income to the owners.
The Chairman Independent Petroleum Marketers Association , Enugu depot , said they had written to the Anambra state government over the development but was yet to receive a reply hence their meeting to discuss on how to further engage for the overall interest of its members and the motoring public.
Correspondent reports that many tricycle operators who were stranded with empty tanks at various filling stations called on IPMAN to always give proper notice to the people before closing down for their meetings considering how critical their services are to the society.
/UN
