Fuel Scarcity Looms! PETROAN Threatens 3-Day Shutdown Over NUPENG Strike

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has declared a three-day warning strike that will halt the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide, starting from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The association explained that the move is aimed at promoting healthy competition in the downstream sector while warning against emerging monopolistic practices that could threaten jobs, destabilize pricing, and endanger the long-term sustainability of the oil and gas industry.

This development comes barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) announced its own nationwide strike, scheduled to begin Monday, September 8, in protest against alleged anti-labour practices tied to Dangote Refinery’s deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for direct distribution of petroleum products.

While the refinery argues that its distribution model will cut costs and boost efficiency, labour and industry groups insist it risks creating a monopoly that could wipe out thousands of jobs and disrupt the sector.

PETROAN’s Position

In a statement issued on Sunday, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, described the planned action as both peaceful and lawful.

“PETROAN remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens through pricing stability in the petroleum sector and ensuring a productive and sustainable industry,” he said.

He emphasized that the association’s decision aligns with its long-standing call for constructive dialogue to safeguard workers’ rights, encourage fair competition, and block anti-market practices.

Gillis-Harry called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent a major crisis in the downstream sector. He also appealed to the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., the Director-General of the DSS, and the Inspector-General of Police to step in urgently to avert widespread hardship.

Warning to Filling Station Owners

The PETROAN leader further cautioned retail outlet owners not to punish pump attendants who may participate in the NUPENG strike, stressing that most attendants in PETROAN-member stations belong to NUPENG and their absence must not lead to dismissals or disciplinary actions.

Fear of Monopolistic Takeover

Gillis-Harry also reiterated concerns about Dangote Refinery’s aggressive strategies, warning that they could:

• Force private depot owners out of business,

• Cripple modular refinery operators, marketers, and retail outlet owners,

• Render truck owners and drivers jobless.

“These outcomes could result in millions of job losses nationwide, with devastating consequences for the economy and livelihoods,” he said.

He compared the looming scenario to the cement industry, where dominance by a few players eventually led to price hikes and weaker competition, warning Nigerians not to be swayed by short-term promises of cheaper fuel.

PETROAN, after an emergency national meeting over the weekend, resolved to hold consultations with stakeholders on Sunday and Monday. If those talks fail, the suspension of operations will commence Tuesday.

To enforce compliance, a 120-man monitoring team will be deployed across the country to oversee filling stations, safeguard facilities, and ensure adherence to the association’s directives.

“PETROAN is not interested in confrontation but in securing a balanced marketplace that protects workers, consumers, and the economy,” Gillis-Harry concluded.