Fuel Distribution Crippled As NUPENG Strike Shuts Depots

The second day of the strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has shut down petroleum product distribution nationwide, leaving depots closed and loading activities suspended.

The action, which targets the Dangote Refinery, has disrupted supply lines and is already causing anxiety among motorists.

The strike is happening because of disputes between NUPENG and the Dangote Refinery over workers’ welfare, employment conditions, and the recognition of union rights. The union says agreements on collective bargaining were ignored, and drivers and depot staff have not been properly integrated into refinery operations.

The industrial action is being enforced in all major depots with the support of allied unions. Fuel loading has stopped completely, forcing filling stations to depend on limited stock. In Lagos and other cities, queues have already appeared as people rush to buy fuel before scarcity worsens.

The parties involved are NUPENG, Dangote Refinery, and fuel depot operators across the country. NUPENG insists that its members’ rights must be protected, while Dangote Refinery maintains that it has improved conditions for workers, including higher pay and accommodation for drivers. Industry observers are closely watching the standoff as it threatens to spread its impact further.

The strike is affecting ordinary Nigerians who depend on stable fuel supplies for transport and business. Motorists are worried about running out of fuel, while businesses that rely on generators fear an increase in operating costs. The disruption also risks pushing up pump prices within days if no solution is reached.

The action is taking place across Nigeria, with depots in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other major distribution points already locked. Filling stations in several states are running low on supplies, raising concerns that the shortages could spread quickly.

The standoff began when talks convened by the federal government failed to produce an agreement. NUPENG has vowed to continue the strike until its demands are met, while stakeholders in the oil and gas sector warn that delays in resolving the crisis could plunge the country into a deeper fuel shortage.

If the dispute continues beyond the next few days, fuel scarcity could trigger a price surge across the country. Analysts caution that the impact may be severe, worsening the economic strain on households and businesses already struggling under inflation. The coming days will determine if dialogue can bring a breakthrough or if Nigerians will face another round of fuel crisis.