Nigerians may face fuel shortages from Tuesday, as Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG prepare for a coordinated shutdown of fuel supply nationwide.
PETROAN, representing fuel station owners, announced a three-day warning ahead of suspending the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products.
The National Public Relation Officer of PETROAN Mr. Joseph Obelle, who made this known to newsmen in Abuja said the protest targets what it calls unhealthy competition in the sector, warning that Dangote Refinery’s pricing strategy could force smaller operators out of business.
“ The action of NUPENG and PETROAN shall be both lawful and peaceful.
PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry.” The statement read
The National PRO of PETROAN, stressed that since pump attendants at PETROAN stations are NUPENG members, their strike means most retail stations may close and PETROAN has instructed station owners not to punish absent staff.
“We have instructed filling station owners not to discipline or sack any pump attendant who would be absent from duty until the end of the strike.”
Both unions are calling on President Tinubu and key petroleum regulators to intervene urgently to prevent economic hardship.
An emergency meeting is scheduled for Sunday and Monday. If no resolution is reached, the shutdown begins early Tuesday.
Source: Gift Okeoghene
