Petroleum Dealers in a Pickle Over New Payment Scheme

Petroleum companies have introduced new payment modalities on hundreds of gas retailers, which are now required to deposit a guarantee with an average value of five million Birr.

The demand comes following the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise's (EPSE) decision in September 2019 to introduce an upfront payment scheme, citing difficulties in collecting rising arrears as the number of petroleum companies increased. Three months ago, the new payment modality took effect.

For years, transactions between petroleum companies and the Enterprise were carried out using a credit-based payment scheme where bills are settled post-sale. Gas retailers were required to pay 10pc of the value of their order up front and provide unconditional payment guarantees over the following three months for the outstanding payment.

The three-month period since the implementation is nearly over and petroleum companies have begun the transition into the second phase beginning June 8, 2021, paying 25pc upfront to the Enterprise.

In a year's time, the companies will be expected to cover the entire cost upfront.

Three alternatives of financing have been offered to the dealers, according to Ephrem Tesfaye, board member of the Petroleum Dealers' Association.

Dealers can provide a lump sum guarantee worth five million Birr, which varies depending on the size of the stations. They can be allowed to reach a threshold of a specific amount in two years, paying progressive instalments, while the companies can deduct an amount from the dealer's margins until a threshold is reached. Petroleum companies have a profit margin of less than three cents from a litre, a source of disgruntlement for many years. Gas stations owners have long pleaded with the authorities to allow them to increase the margins and, once again, they have voiced their displeasure in light of the new scheme being proposed by petroleum companies.

Dealers have no means of financial support, unlike the companies whose costs are being covered by the government, Ephrem said.

Authorities at the federal government have pledged that the cost incurred by oil companies during the implementation of the new modality would be compensated for. A slight price adjustment was made on retail prices of benzene (by four cents) and diesel (14 cents) a litre, three months ago.

However, the petroleum companies pleaded for a high margin, claiming that the increase was insufficient. The authorities conceded and price adjustments to be deducted from the petroleum reserve fund were granted.