To form an image having high image quality and excellent in stability over a long term.

Timing to perform lubricant supply operation for supplying lubricant 26 to the surface of an image carrier 18 in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by using a supply member 22 is set except timing to perform image forming operation. Since the lubricant 26 is supplied to the surface of the image carrier 18 in a state where residual toner left on the surface of the image carrier 18 is reduced, an excellent supply state is maintained.