The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a strong warning that petrol prices across Lagos may soon skyrocket due to the newly imposed ₦12,500 electronic call-up parking fee introduced by the Lagos State Government.
The fee, intended to streamline truck and tanker logistics in the state, is now at the center of a growing controversy. IPMAN claims this additional cost will directly inflate operational expenses for petroleum marketers, a burden they fear will ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher fuel pump prices.
As the nation's commercial hub, Lagos heavily depends on the seamless transport of petroleum products. Any disruption or cost increase within this supply chain poses a serious risk—not just to individual motorists, but also to small businesses and commercial operators who rely on affordable fuel to function.
While the electronic call-up system was designed to ease traffic congestion and improve infrastructure efficiency, stakeholders argue that its implementation lacks strategic input from key players in the petroleum distribution sector. According to IPMAN, the lack of consultation has led to a policy that could do more harm than good.
Beyond the immediate implications for fuel prices, the association believes the move could derail progress made in enhancing Lagos' business environment. The state government’s broader infrastructure initiatives—like road rehabilitations and traffic system upgrades—might be undermined by a sharp rise in transportation costs driven by this new fee.
With fuel already climbing due to forex instability and naira devaluation, the addition of a compulsory ₦12,500 levy threatens to worsen an already fragile economic situation. IPMAN warns this policy could trigger a chain reaction, increasing the cost of goods and services across the board.
The association has called on the Lagos State Government to reconsider the fee and engage directly with industry stakeholders. A collaborative approach, they argue, would be far more effective in tackling the state’s logistics challenges without triggering widespread inflation.