Fuel Scarcity Looms as PETROAN Threatens Three-Day Strike from September 9

Nigerians may experience fresh fuel shortages from Tuesday, September 9, as the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has threatened to suspend operations nationwide for three days. The association said the decision to halt fuel lifting and dispensing was driven by mounting concerns over what it termed “monopolistic tendencies” in the downstream petroleum sector, particularly with the growing dominance of the Dangote Refinery. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Joseph Obele, PETROAN explained that the planned action would serve as a lawful and peaceful protest to protect thousands of independent marketers, depot operators, transporters and retail outlets across the country. According to the group, it has mobilised a 120-man compliance team to ensure full adherence to the directive once it begins. The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, warned that while the Dangote Refinery represents a landmark investment capable of boosting local refining capacity, its approach to direct distribution and sales could sideline smaller operators in the supply chain. He argued that if left unchecked, the development may lead to massive job losses, stifle competition and create long-term market concentration. “PETROAN has no objection to the operations of the refinery. However, we demand a level playing field that will ensure healthy competition and sustainability. Government must act now to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders in the downstream sector,” Gillis-Harry said. The association urged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intervene urgently and address its concerns before the shutdown commences. The development comes at a time when fuel consumption in Nigeria has declined due to the removal of subsidies and rising pump prices. Despite this, industry analysts warn that the system remains vulnerable to supply disruptions. A three-day halt, they note, could trigger panic buying, hoarding, and long queues at filling stations, further compounding economic pressures on citizens. Adding to the tension, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has also hinted at possible industrial action. PETROAN has advised its members not to penalise pump attendants registered with NUPENG who may participate in such strikes, indicating wider labour involvement in the dispute. Experts caution that even a short disruption in distribution could ripple across the economy, pushing up transport costs, worsening inflation, and straining household budgets. The association’s warning has therefore placed regulators and policymakers under pressure to broker a resolution before September 9. As of press time, the Presidency and NMDPRA had not issued any formal response. The Dangote Group, however, has previously defended its distribution strategy, insisting that its model is aimed at improving nationwide supply and reducing retail prices for consumers. All eyes are now on the outcome of consultations expected before Monday. A successful dialogue could avert the looming shutdown, but failure to reach a compromise may see Nigerians facing yet another round of fuel queues and supply disruptions from mid-week.