The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Unit, says it will introduce strict measures to eliminate fuel pump manipulation at filling stations and restore consumer confidence.

Speaking after the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Enugu, Chairman Chief Chinedu Anyaso said members unanimously agreed to set up a task force that will monitor compliance and penalize erring stations. The team, which will be inaugurated in September, will operate across Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and parts of Abia, Imo, Kogi, and Cross River States.

Anyaso explained that members also raised concern over the Anambra State Government’s N900 million debt owed to marketers for diesel supplied to power streetlights. He said the unpaid debt, which has lingered for over a year despite repeated appeals, has forced some marketers out of business while others face aggressive loan recovery from banks.

According to him, at least eight members have died in recent months due to stress from the financial burden, while several filling stations have shut down or laid off workers. He warned that if the government fails to act, IPMAN members might be forced into strike action, which could drive fuel prices in the state to as high as N2,000 to N3,000 per litre.

Beyond debt recovery, the AGM also focused on members’ welfare, fuel product lifting strategies, and opportunities to benefit from the Dangote Refinery’s Direct Sales scheme. The meeting further featured sessions with the Federal Inland Revenue Service on electronic tax filing and TradeGrid Limited on solar-powered fueling solutions.

Anyaso, meanwhile, commended state governments within the Enugu Unit’s coverage area for improving roads and security infrastructure, which he said had made fuel distribution easier.