BREAKING: PETROAN gives three-day notice to suspend fuel distribution, backs NUPENG’s planned strike

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Filling station owners under the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have issued a three-day notice of suspension of lifting and dispensing petroleum products, effective from Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The announcement was made by PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, while addressing members nationwide in Abuja. The notice coincides with the proposed strike action of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over its dispute with Dangote Refinery and concerns about job security for its members.

In a press statement signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN explained that the planned action forms part of its advocacy for fair competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

The statement read: “The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a three-day forewarning of suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products commencing from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in their advocacy for healthy competition as against any form of monopoly in the Nigerian petroleum downstream sector.”

Dr. Gillis-Harry emphasised that the union’s action would be conducted within the law. “The action of NUPENG will be both lawful and peaceful, underscoring our commitment to promoting workers’ rights and benefits through constructive engagement,” he said.

Reiterating PETROAN’s position, he added: “PETROAN underscores its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry.”

Dr. Gillis-Harry appealed to authorities to intervene swiftly to avoid economic disruption. “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Group CEO of NNPC, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, the Director General of DSS, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene urgently—even from their vacations—to avert potential hardship and pain for citizens arising from the suspension of petroleum lifting and dispensing,” he said.

He further warned against the risks of monopoly in the sector, cautioning Nigerians not to be misled by short-term promises. “Notably, PETROAN has earlier advocated for healthy competition in the oil and gas sector as opposed to monopolistic tendencies. The aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery would have far-reaching consequences, including pushing private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck owners, and truck drivers out of business.

This would trigger millions of unemployment nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and livelihoods of Nigerians. Nigerians must see any initial strategy aimed at gaining monopoly as a ‘Father Christmas’ promise, and they must not forget the lessons of the cement industry.”

On the implications of NUPENG’s strike, the PETROAN President explained, “Pump attendants at PETROAN member filling stations are registered members of NUPENG; hence, NUPENG’s strike would mean these attendants would be absent from duty. I have instructed filling station owners not to discipline or sack any pump attendant who would be absent from duty until the end of the strike.”

As part of its next steps, PETROAN held an emergency national general meeting where it resolved to continue consultations on Sunday and Monday. In the event of no resolution, the association said its members would proceed with the planned suspension on Tuesday.

“To enforce this decision, a 120-man compliance team will be mobilised as watchdogs to ensure the safety of our members’ facilities. As a critical player among stakeholders, PETROAN will join others in ensuring healthy competition in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This collaborative effort aims to promote a conducive environment for workers, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy,” the statement added

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