The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced plans to suspend lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide for three days beginning Tuesday, September 9, in protest against monopolistic practices in the downstream oil sector.
The move, which coincides with a planned strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), is expected to ground operations in the industry if no urgent intervention is made.
Addressing members and journalists in Abuja, on Saturday , September 6, PETROAN said its action will be lawful and peaceful, emphasizing its commitment to protecting citizens’ interests, stabilizing fuel prices, and ensuring fair competition in the sector.
The association called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Group Chief Executive of NNPC, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, as well as the heads of the DSS and Nigeria Police Force, to intervene urgently to avert nationwide hardship.
PETROAN noted that most pump attendants at its member filling stations are also NUPENG members, which means their participation in the strike would leave outlets without attendants. It therefore directed station owners not to discipline or sack any worker absent during the industrial action.
The association warned against monopolistic tendencies allegedly driven by Dangote Refinery, saying such practices could push out private depot owners, modular refineries, independent marketers, and truck operators, leading to massive job losses.
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“Any strategy aimed at creating monopoly should not be mistaken for generosity,” the association cautioned, comparing the current situation to past developments in Nigeria’s cement industry.
In an effort to avert the shutdown, PETROAN said it held an emergency national meeting and would continue consultations through Sunday and Monday. However, it resolved that if no resolution is reached, the suspension of operations would commence on Tuesday.
To ensure compliance and safeguard facilities, the association said it would deploy a 120-man compliance team across the country.
PETROAN reaffirmed its readiness to work with stakeholders to promote healthy competition, protect workers’ rights, and create a conducive business environment for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
