The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a three-day warning suspension of lifting and dispensing petroleum products, beginning from the early hours of Tuesday.
In a statement released on Sunday, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, explained that the decision was part of the association’s advocacy for fair competition and against monopolistic practices in the oil and gas sector.
The development comes after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) declared that its members would embark on a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8. The strike is aimed at protesting what the union described as anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery for direct distribution of petroleum products.
Dangote’s direct distribution initiative is designed to cut logistics costs, enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, and support economic growth. However, Gillis-Harry cautioned that such aggressive business strategies could have severe consequences for smaller operators in the industry.
He stressed that PETROAN supported lawful and peaceful action in protecting workers’ rights, urging government authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the leadership of NNPC Ltd., to intervene in order to prevent potential hardship for citizens.
The association also appealed to security agencies, including the DSS and the police, to step in and help avert disruptions in fuel supply. Gillis-Harry further noted that pump attendants at PETROAN filling stations are also registered with NUPENG, meaning they would join the strike. He warned filling station owners against punishing or dismissing workers who participate in the action.
According to him, Dangote’s dominance could force private depot operators, modular refineries, marketers, retail owners, truck drivers, and other stakeholders out of business, leading to widespread unemployment and long-term economic challenges. He likened the situation to developments in the cement industry, cautioning Nigerians not to be misled by short-term benefits that may mask long-term risks.
Following an emergency general meeting, PETROAN resolved to consult with stakeholders on Sunday and Monday. If these talks fail, the suspension of operations will take effect Tuesday. The association has also set up a 120-man compliance team to safeguard member facilities during the action.
“PETROAN remains committed to fostering healthy competition in the petroleum sector, ensuring a fair environment for workers, encouraging sector growth, and ultimately protecting the interests of the Nigerian people,” Gillis-Harry stated.