Fuel prices in Abia have dropped from N1,300-N1,350 per liter to between N1,150 and N1,200. This decrease follows the Nigeria National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) decision to allow direct requests and payments for fuel from members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Marketers in Aba and Umuahia have begun sourcing fuel directly from the NNPC, contributing to the lower prices.

Mazi Oliver Okolo, Executive Chairman of IPMAN’s Aba branch, explained that improved supply from the NNPC is driving the price reduction. He noted that since the NNPC opened its portal for requests last Saturday, he expects further price drops once supplies begin next week. Okolo emphasized that direct supply from the NNPC and the operational status of local depots in Aba are crucial for sustaining low fuel prices.

He believes that if NNPC, the state government, and the federal government collaborate to ensure fuel availability at the Aba depot, prices could fall to around N900 or below N1,000 per liter. Okolo acknowledged the challenges faced by marketers due to high sourcing costs from third parties and thanked Governor Alex Otti for starting the rehabilitation of the Osisioma-NNPC-Ekeakpara road, a federal road that will aid in improving fuel distribution.