Marketers Fear Fuel Price Surge as PENGASSAN Strike Kicks Off
The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised fresh concerns of a possible hike in petrol prices. The union has directed an immediate halt of crude and gas supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, sparking fears of fuel distribution disruptions across the country.
PENGASSAN alleges that the refinery wrongfully dismissed over 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with foreign staff, a move the union describes as unfair labor practice. In response, it ordered all members to cut off supply to the refinery until the matter is addressed.
Marketers warn that the disruption could force them to rely on imported refined fuel to meet local demand. Such a shift, they argue, would significantly raise their costs, which may be transferred to consumers at the pump, leading to higher petrol prices.
The Dangote Refinery has rejected the strike order, describing it as unlawful and harmful to Nigeriaโs economy. The company maintains that PENGASSAN has no legal authority to interfere in its gas and crude contracts.
Analysts caution that if the standoff continues, it could worsen Nigeriaโs energy crisis, strain fuel availability, and deepen inflationary pressures already affecting households.
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