By Dennis Udoma

The Akwa Ibom State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee (PPMC) has swung into action to avert a looming fuel crisis, following a warning by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to halt operations across the state.

IPMAN had issued a notice of service withdrawal set to commence on Thursday (yesterday ) citing unresolved grievances with the union.

But, in a swift response, the PPMC last Tuesday night issued a public statement appealing for calm and assuring residents that urgent measures were underway to address the situation.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Godwin Ekpo, disclosed that the PPMC has begun interfacing with key stakeholders to address IPMAN’s concerns and ensure the continued distribution of petroleum products throughout the state.

“We are fully aware of the issues raised by IPMAN, and the Committee is working round the clock to prevent any disruption in fuel supply that may affect the daily lives of our citizens,” Ekpo stated urging Akwa Ibom residents not to panic as they are fully on top of the situation.

Ekpo emphasized that, the PPMC remains committed to protecting the public interest and maintaining stability in the petroleum distribution chain.

With IPMAN’s planned action threatening to paralyze fuel supply and possibly spark long queues and price hikes, the PPMC has begun rolling out contingency plans to cushion any potential impact on residents and businesses.

The Committee’s intervention comes as part of the ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, availability, and affordability of petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.

However, some filling stations loyal to IPMAN threats had closed shops pending the amicable resolution of the matter.

Effort to speak with IPMAN Chairman in the State was futile as he was not immediately available at the time of filling this report.