Fuel Scarcity: We’ve Paid N58bn to IPMAN so Far – NMPDR

Through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Government of Nigeria has paid the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) a sum of N58bn from the N500bn bridging claim.

In an official statement released by the Corporate Communications of NMDPRA on Thursday, the joint agency stated that the amount disbursed to the association is the highest they had paid within six months span by former fund administrators.

Recall that Investors king reported that IPMAN had warned Nigerians of a looming fuel scarcity if the N500bn owed the marketers is not paid.

IPMAN had earlier claimed through its chairman, Bashir Danmalam, that NMDPRA is responsible for the payment of bridging claims, otherwise known as transportation claims.

NMDPRA said that it was aware of the matters raised by the petroleum marketers and the difficulties being faced by the association members due to the unpaid N500bn bridging claims.

“The administration of bridging claims payment is a continuous process as hundreds of trucks load and discharge products daily, thereby adding to claims,” it added.

According to NMDPRA, “Since December 2021, the NMDPRA has made several payments to marketers whose claims have been verified.

“So far, over N58 billion has been disbursed to oil marketers out of which N34 billion went directly to members of the IPMAN.”

The agency said the reimbursement of marketer’s transportation for the movement of petroleum products is significant to them.

It further said that Freight Rates were recently raised to the up-to-date market data and, in turn, attract investment in Nigeria’s transportation of petroleum products, allowing a constant supply of products.

“We wish to state that the Authority remains committed to honour and process legitimate and verified bridging claims to ensure product availability nationwide,” it concluded.