The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has issued a three-day notice to suspend lifting and dispensing of petroleum products from Tuesday, in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said on Sunday that the move advocates fair competition in the downstream sector and opposes monopolistic practices linked to Dangote Refinery’s newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks for direct distribution.
NUPENG had earlier announced a nationwide strike from Monday, Sept. 8, alleging anti-union labour practices tied to Dangote’s distribution strategy.
Gillis-Harry warned that the refinery’s direct-to-market model could push private depot owners, modular refineries, marketers, retail owners, and truck operators out of business—leading to mass unemployment.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the NMDPRA boss, NNPC Ltd.’s Group CEO, DSS, and the IGP to intervene to avert hardship.
The PETROAN leader stressed that its action and NUPENG’s strike would be lawful and peaceful, while cautioning filling station owners not to penalise pump attendants who are also NUPENG members.
He further advised Nigerians to be wary of monopolistic strategies, citing the cement industry as a cautionary example.
