Signs of a looming fuel scarcity have re-emerged in the Federal Capital Territory as the industrial faceoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins to ripple through the downstream market.
During a visit to Shema filling stations in Asokoro and Kugbo along the busy Asokoro–Nyanya highway, The Bureau News observed the return of black market fuel sellers in front of the outlets. Petrol attendants confirmed that they were yet to receive delivery of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) ordered by their management, citing delays linked to the refinery’s dispute with the oil workers’ union.
Voices From the Ground
A pump attendant, who requested anonymity, explained: “We are yet to get delivery of the fuel that management ordered because of the faceoff between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery. That is why you see these black market sellers outside again.”
The development comes just hours after a nine-hour Federal Government-brokered reconciliation meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management ended in deadlock. The union insists it will not return to work until alleged anti-labour practices are reversed, while Dangote maintains its restructuring is in line with international best practices.
Growing Concerns of Shortages
Motorists who spoke with The Bureau News expressed frustration at the prospect of fuel queues returning. “It looks like another round of scarcity is coming,” said one driver at Kugbo. “If black marketers are already back, it means trouble for ordinary Nigerians.”
The Federal Ministry of Labour has urged both parties to resume talks by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, stressing that industrial peace in the oil and gas sector is critical to Nigeria’s economy and energy security. For now, Abuja residents remain anxious, with some already paying inflated prices to roadside sellers.
Stay with The Bureau News for breaking coverage on Nigeria News Today, including fuel supply updates and the outcome of today’s negotiations.
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