IPMAN Guarantees Adequate Fuel Supply for Festive Season, Calls for Payment of Outstanding Claims

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has assured Nigerians that there is sufficient petroleum product supply to meet demand throughout the upcoming festive season, aiming to prevent fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations.

At a press briefing held at its national headquarters in Abuja, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Shettima, highlighted the crucial role of the new leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in ensuring a smooth fuel supply chain.

Shettima specifically urged the agencies to expedite the payment of long-outstanding bridging claims owed to IPMAN members, which currently total over ₦190 billion. He warned that delays in settling these debts could negatively impact the consistent supply of petroleum products in the coming weeks.

“The new leadership of NMDPRA must prioritize the immediate settlement of these outstanding obligations to ensure uninterrupted fuel distribution across the country,” Shettima said.

In addition to addressing financial bottlenecks, IPMAN expressed support for initiatives aimed at increasing local petroleum production. The association highlighted efforts by the Dangote Group and other refinery operators as critical to reducing reliance on foreign exchange for fuel imports.

Shettima noted that boosting domestic production would not only stabilize supply but also make fuel more affordable for Nigerians during and beyond the festive period.

“Our focus is to ensure that Nigerians do not face fuel scarcity this festive season. Strengthening local production and clearing pending claims are essential steps toward achieving this goal,” he added.