By Folashade Alli
- Set to embark on strike in December
Petroleum importers under the aegies of Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) are set for a face-off the Federal Government over the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.
The petroleum importers noted that the face-off is aimed at creating a needed tension for the final withdrawal of fuel subsidy by Government which is now being fine-tuned.
Undisclosed Sources said that the crisis would involve the products importers who are said to be presently owed over N156 billion to either cut supplies; even as Government feigns inability to continue to shoulder the subsidy burden.
Meanwhile,a report by the Technical Working Committee of Stakeholders on Delayed Payment Of PSF Subsidy Claims of Marketers, puts the sum total of debt presently owed the importers at over N156,542,528,180 in terms of outstanding running between 2011 to 2013.
Subsequently, it was learnt that while the authorities would encourage the traders to continue to work on the outstanding amount which allegedly accumulated as a result of delays in the payment of verified claims, bank interests and mounting FOREX differentials, the report says Government, towards November ending may identify loopholes in the traders’ claims, resulting in a face-off, expected to precipitate another fuel crisis, towards the end of the year.