The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has issued a three-day warning of suspension of petroleum lifting and dispensing, effective from the early hours of Tuesday, in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
In a statement on Sunday, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the decision was aimed at resisting monopolistic tendencies in the oil and gas sector and ensuring fair competition.
NUPENG had earlier announced a nationwide strike beginning Monday, September 8, protesting what it described as anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by the Dangote Refinery for direct product distribution.
Dangote’s direct distribution model, designed to cut logistics costs and promote efficiency, has sparked backlash from stakeholders who fear it could cripple private depots, modular refineries, retail owners, truck operators, and depot workers—potentially triggering mass unemployment across the industry.
Dr. Gillis-Harry stressed that PETROAN’s action would remain lawful and peaceful, while urging President Bola Tinubu, petroleum regulators, NNPC Ltd., security agencies, and other stakeholders to urgently intervene to avert nationwide hardship.
He cautioned filling station owners not to sanction pump attendants, who are also NUPENG members, for absence during the strike, warning that the looming disruption could destabilise the economy if not addressed swiftly.
“Any initial strategy that looks like a monopoly may seem like a Father Christmas gift, but the long-term consequences could mirror what happened in the cement industry,” he warned.
PETROAN has mobilised a 120-man compliance team to protect member facilities during the planned shutdown, while continuing consultations ahead of the Tuesday deadline.