Petrol Hits High in Makurdi! Chaos As Marketers Begin 3-Day Warning Strike

Motorists and commercial motorcyclists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, are facing severe hardship as petrol prices soar to as high as ₦1,700 per litre, following a sudden shutdown of filling stations by petroleum marketers who have commenced a three-day warning strike.

With most stations closed, desperate residents have turned to the black market, where petrol is now selling between ₦1,600 and ₦1,700, depending on the location.

The strike, which began on Tuesday, is in solidarity with the Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

A member of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, revealed that the shutdown was a collective decision.

“This issue has been lingering for years. When the new administration came in, both NUPENG and IPMAN approached the government, but we were ignored,” the source said.

“As a result, the leadership of both unions decided on a three-day warning strike. All fuel stations were instructed to shut down, and anyone caught selling would be fined ₦500,000. That’s why you won’t find any of us dispensing fuel.”

The root of the crisis reportedly traces back to an incident years ago, when youths allegedly attacked a fuel-laden truck along the Makurdi–Aliade road, stealing its contents. The previous administration had promised to compensate the truck owners and the affected company, but failed to do so before leaving office.

In response to the fuel crisis, Benue State Chairman of NUPENG, Terfa Iorhule, stated he was not officially aware of the strike.

“I only heard of the strike but haven’t confirmed it,” Iorhule said from Lagos.