Petroleum Retailers, NUPENG Set for Joint Shutdown Over Downstream Sector Monopoly Fears


The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced plans to suspend lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide for three days beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in protest against what it described as unhealthy competition in the downstream sector.


The move coincides with a planned strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), signaling a rare alignment of interests between oil workers and petroleum retailers.


Addressing journalists in Abuja, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the suspension was a peaceful and lawful action intended to advocate for workers’ rights, fair competition, and stability in petroleum pricing. 


He warned that monopolistic tendencies, particularly those linked to the Dangote Refinery, could force depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, truck drivers, and retail operators out of business, potentially triggering mass unemployment.


 “Any strategy aimed at gaining monopoly should be seen as a ‘Father Christmas’ promise,” Dr. Harry cautioned. “We must not forget what happened in the cement industry 


PETROAN also appealed for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, and other security and regulatory chiefs to avert economic disruptions that may result from the planned shutdown.


The association further instructed filling station owners not to discipline or dismiss pump attendants who may be absent during the strike, noting that most attendants are registered members of NUPENG.


To enforce compliance, PETROAN said it would deploy a 120-man monitoring team to protect members’ facilities and ensure safety during the suspension.


The group had earlier held an emergency national general meeting and resolved to continue consultations through the weekend in hopes of avoiding a total shutdown.


Despite this, Dr. Harry maintained that PETROAN would stand firmly with NUPENG and other stakeholders in resisting monopolistic control of the oil and gas industry while working to safeguard jobs and promote sector growth.


The strike threat raises fresh concerns over potential fuel shortages across the country, with both unions holding firm on their demands for a fairer and more competitive downstream market.

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