The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a three-day warning industrial action on lifting and dispensing petroleum products nationwide, beginning from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The association said the forewarning was a call for healthy competition in the downstream sector, warning against what it described as monopolistic tendencies that could threaten jobs, pricing stability, and the long-term health of the oil and gas industry.
Naija News reports that PETROAN’s move comes barely a day after the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) announced plans to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, September 8.
NUPENG’s action is in protest against alleged anti-union labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by the Dangote Refinery for direct distribution of petroleum products.
The refinery’s distribution model, which bypasses many existing middlemen, is pitched as a cost-saving and energy-efficient strategy. However, labour and industry groups insist it risks creating a monopoly that could displace thousands of workers and destabilise the sector.
‘A Peaceful, Lawful Action’
In a statement issued on Sunday, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the association’s planned action would be peaceful and lawful.
“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,” he said.
He added that the move aligns with PETROAN’s longstanding advocacy for constructive engagement to secure workers’ rights, ensure fair competition, and prevent anti-market practices.
Gillis-Harry appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and forestall a full-blown crisis in the downstream sector.
He specifically urged the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., as well as the Director-General of the DSS and the Inspector General of Police to wade in urgently.
According to him, such intervention is critical to avert “hardship and pain on citizens” that could follow suspension of fuel supply.
The PETROAN leader cautioned filling station owners against punishing pump attendants who may join the NUPENG strike.
He stressed that most pump attendants in PETROAN-member stations are registered members of NUPENG, and their absence during the industrial action should not attract dismissal or disciplinary measures.
“Filling station owners must not discipline or sack any attendant who participates in the strike,” Gillis-Harry warned.
Fear of Monopolistic Takeover
Gillis-Harry reiterated PETROAN’s warning that the aggressive market strategies of Dangote Refinery could have far-reaching negative effects on the industry.
He listed the risks as including:
- Forcing private depot owners out of business;
- Crippling modular refinery operators, marketers and retail outlet owners;
- Rendering truck owners and drivers jobless.
“These would translate into millions of job losses nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and livelihoods,” he said.
Gillis-Harry likened the situation to the cement industry, where dominance by a few players eventually led to price hikes and reduced competition, warning Nigerians not to be deceived by short-term promises of cheap fuel.
According to Gillis-Harry, PETROAN convened an emergency national general meeting at the weekend where members resolved to consult stakeholders on Sunday and Monday.
If those consultations fail, the association said the suspension of operations would commence Tuesday.
To enforce the decision, PETROAN will deploy a 120-man compliance team to monitor filling stations nationwide, acting as watchdogs to protect members’ facilities and ensure adherence to agreed measures.
“As a critical player among stakeholders, PETROAN will continue to join hands with others to promote healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy,” Gillis-Harry said, reaffirming that the association’s position is not about confrontation but about ensuring a balanced and fair marketplace that protects both workers and consumers.
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