Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has aligned with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in issuing a three-day warning of a nationwide suspension of petroleum product lifting and dispensing, set to begin Tuesday morning.
This action protests what both groups call monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, particularly its use of imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for direct fuel distribution.
PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized the need for fair competition in the oil and gas sector.
“We are committed to advocating for a stable and productive industry that prioritizes healthy competition over monopoly,” he stated in a release on Sunday.
He highlighted that NUPENG’s planned strike, starting Monday, September 8, stems from concerns over anti-union practices tied to Dangote’s direct distribution model, which aims to cut logistics costs and boost energy efficiency.
Gillis-Harry described NUPENG’s strike as “lawful and peaceful,” underscoring PETROAN’s support for workers’ rights.
“Our members’ pump attendants, who are also NUPENG members, will join the strike, and we urge filling station owners not to penalize or dismiss them for participating,” he said.
He warned that Dangote’s strategy could devastate the industry, potentially driving private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, truck owners, and drivers out of business, leading to widespread unemployment.
To avert economic disruption, Gillis-Harry called for urgent intervention from key authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Inspector General of Police.
“We appeal for a swift resolution to ensure the oil and gas sector operates smoothly, minimizing hardship for Nigerians,” he urged.
Reflecting on past industry trends, Gillis-Harry cautioned against short-term promises that could lead to long-term harm, drawing parallels with the cement industry.
“Nigerians should remain cautious of strategies that appear generous but may ultimately harm the economy,” he advised.
Following an emergency meeting, PETROAN resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday to seek a resolution. Should these efforts fail, the association will enforce compliance with the strike through a 120-man monitoring team to safeguard its members’ facilities.
“As a key stakeholder, PETROAN is dedicated to fostering a competitive oil and gas sector that supports workers, drives growth, and benefits Nigeria’s economy,” Gillis-Harry concluded.
