The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has assured Nigerians of sufficient fuel supply throughout the festive season.
The association said it has taken proactive steps to prevent fuel scarcity and long queues nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Shettima, reaffirmed members’ commitment to uninterrupted distribution.
“Our members have adequate petroleum products to meet demand during the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.
IPMAN Urges Regulators To Settle ₦190bn Bridging Claims
Shettima, however, called for urgent intervention from petroleum sector regulators to sustain smooth supply operations.
He urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to clear outstanding debts.
According to IPMAN, unpaid bridging claims owed to its members now exceed ₦190 billion.
“Immediate payment of these claims is critical to maintaining nationwide distribution efficiency,” Shettima warned.
He added that prolonged delays could strain marketers’ operations and affect fuel movement in coming months.
New NMDPRA Leadership Under Pressure
The IPMAN president stressed that the new leadership at NMDPRA must prioritise settling the long-standing obligations.
He said marketers rely on bridging claims to offset transportation costs across Nigeria’s vast fuel distribution network.
Failure to address the issue promptly, he noted, could undermine confidence within the downstream sector.
Support For Expanded Local Refining Capacity
IPMAN also expressed strong support for increased domestic refining capacity across Nigeria.
The association welcomed production from the Dangote Refinery while encouraging other operators to scale up output.
According to IPMAN, local refining reduces foreign exchange exposure and lowers logistics costs for marketers.
It also enables Nigerians to benefit from more stable fuel prices and improved energy security.