The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has declared a three-day warning strike starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025, threatening to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide.
The association said the action is a protest against what it described as monopolistic practices undermining fair competition in the downstream oil sector.
The association’s national president, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, made the announcement through a statement released in Abuja by the association’s national public relations officer, Dr. Joseph Obele.
Report revealed that “he appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), the Group CEO of NNPC, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, the Director-General of DSS, and the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene in the crisis to prevent hardship for citizens.”
Highlighting the implications of the planned strike, he noted that pump attendants in PETROAN member stations are registered under NUPENG, meaning they would be absent from duty during the strike. He directed station owners not to discipline or sack attendants affected.
PETROAN reiterated its opposition to monopolistic practices, warning that the aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery could drive private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, and truck owners out of business. Harry cautioned that such a development could trigger mass unemployment with grave consequences for the economy.
Harry advised Nigerians to view any initial strategy aimed at gaining monopoly as a “Father Christmas” promise, cautioning them not to forget the events that unfolded in the cement industry.
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not be swayed by promises that may seem beneficial in the short term but could have long-term negative consequences.
“In a bid to mediate on the proposed shutdown, PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting, where it resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday,” according to The Nation.
If consultations fail to produce results, PETROAN Congress resolved that no employee participating in the planned strike at retail outlets across the country would face dismissal. To back this decision, the association said a 120-member compliance team would be deployed to monitor activities and safeguard its members’ facilities.
Recognizing its role as a major stakeholder in the petroleum industry, the association pledged to collaborate with other players in defending fair competition. The association further noted that such joint efforts are aimed at creating a better working environment, encouraging growth in the oil and gas sector, and securing long-term economic benefits for Nigeria.
