Fuel crisis may hit Abia over 600% tax increase on marketers by Govt
States in Nigeria
BY UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE
There is palpable fear of a major fuel crisis brewing in Abia State as petroleum marketers have threatened to shut down operations over what they call “Governor Alex Otti’s 600% tax bomb.”
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abia chapter, has accused the state government of imposing a scandalous tax increment on all petroleum marketer’s outlet in the state.
The petroleum products marketers described the tax increase as not only outrageous but also extortionist which is being introduced through the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS).
Their grievances was contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting at its Osisioma Secretariat, which was signed by its chairman, Oliver Okolo and secretary Imo Mascot Obike, where they condemned the recent tax increment.
The Abia IPMAN said the consolidated revenue levy for petroleum marketers had been raised from ₦95,000 to ₦600,000—a staggering 600% increase, saying that it is quite worrisome to them and the society.
The association said that if this is allowed to stand that it will likely make the state to be the highest in terms of petroleum prices in the country, “Adding that there will be every tendency for the citizens to suffer the consequences thereafter”.
The communique described the move as “anti-business” and warned that the entire state could soon face fuel scarcity if the government fails to act.
