Fuel Scarcity: Petrol Prices May Hit ₦1,000 as Filling Stations Shut Across Nigeria
Nigeria is bracing for a fresh wave of fuel scarcity as filling stations in Sokoto, Delta, and Edo shut down amid the looming strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The shutdown follows the collapse of negotiations in Abuja between the Federal Government, labour leaders, and representatives of the Dangote Group over unionisation rights for workers at the Dangote Refinery.
Talks Collapse as Dangote Walks Out
The deadlock came after Sayyu Dantata, representing the Dangote Group, reportedly walked out of the meeting with Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Dangote’s team insisted that union membership remain optional, while NUPENG and the NLC maintained that refinery workers must be allowed to freely unionise.
The walkout left negotiations in tatters, forcing NUPENG to proceed with its planned strike, which has already begun disrupting fuel supply nationwide.
Filling Stations Shut in Sokoto, Delta, and Edo
As tanker drivers withdraw services, filling stations in Sokoto, Edo, and Delta states have already closed their pumps due to a lack of supply. Motorists in these areas are reporting long queues at the few stations still operating.
NUPENG President Williams Akporeha accused Dangote of trying to “enslave” workers and monopolise the system, vowing that the strike will continue until the unionisation demand is met.
Petrol Prices Surge Toward ₦1,000
At the same time, depot prices for petrol have already risen from ₦820 per litre at Dangote Refinery to as high as ₦850 at private depots like Ardova and Wosbab.
This hike is expected to push pump prices across filling stations to between ₦950 and ₦1,000 per litre if the strike continues and supply tightens further.
Market watchers warn that the combination of refinery price hikes and supply disruption could trigger panic buying, hoarding, and profiteering in the coming days.
Labour and Government at Loggerheads with Dangote
The NLC has accused the Dangote Group of anti-union practices and monopolistic behaviour, warning that its policies violate both Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.
Benson Upah, acting secretary of the NLC, said:
“Even when we bent backwards to accommodate his uncompromising behaviour, he still walked out. We are left with no option but to do the needful. The strike action continues.”
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Dingyadi expressed hope that talks could resume to avert a prolonged shutdown.
Nigerians Brace for Harder Days Ahead
With filling stations shutting down in more states and depot prices rising, Nigerians are preparing for a painful surge in the cost of petrol and possible transport fare hikes.
If no resolution is reached soon, analysts warn, the country could face one of its most severe fuel crises in recent years.
