The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a three-day suspension of fuel lifting and dispensing starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in protest against alleged monopolistic practices in the downstream oil and gas sector.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, the association’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the action would be lawful and peaceful, stressing PETROAN’s commitment to fair competition, workers’ rights, and price stability.
Harry urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, the DG of DSS, and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene swiftly to prevent hardship for Nigerians.
He warned that monopolistic tendencies—particularly the aggressive market strategies of Dangote Refinery—could drive private depot owners, modular refineries, marketers, and truck operators out of business, triggering mass unemployment and broader economic consequences.
“All initial strategies aimed at gaining monopoly should be seen as a Father Christmas promise,” Harry said, drawing parallels with events in the cement industry.
The association noted that fuel attendants in PETROAN stations, who are members of NUPENG, would not report for duty during the strike. It directed station owners not to penalise workers affected and assured that a 120-man compliance team would monitor activities to ensure order and safety.
PETROAN added that while consultations with stakeholders would continue through Sunday and Monday, if no resolution is reached, the strike would proceed. The group reaffirmed its role in fostering healthy competition, protecting jobs, and safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Leave a comment