- Dangote Refinery says there’s no fuel shortage despite drivers’ strike.
- NUPENG claims new drivers are told not to join union, Dangote denies.
- Talks ongoing between the union, company, and government.
Despite an ongoing strike by fuel tanker drivers, Dangote Refinery has said there is no cause for alarm as fuel distribution remains stable nationwide.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the strike, which started on Monday, was led by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
EDITOR’S PICK
- Strike Averted As Dangote Allow Refinery Workers Join NUPENG
- Tambuwal’s Comments On Me, Tinubu, Won’t Go Unanswered – Wike
- Lagos Taskforce Dislodges Illegal Street Traders at Mile 2
It comes amid tension over the refinery’s decision to deploy its own fleet of petrol trucks and drivers, a move that has caused friction with the long-established tanker operators.
The refinery, which is Africa’s largest with a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, recently announced plans to distribute fuel directly using thousands of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks.
However, logistical setbacks have delayed full rollout.
Union leaders accuse the refinery of employing drivers under the condition that they avoid joining labour unions a claim strongly denied by Dangote Group.
“There is no fuel scarcity. Operations are continuing as normal,” said Anthony Chiejina, a spokesperson for Dangote Refinery.
He added that discussions were ongoing between the union, company officials, and the federal government to resolve the matter.
Since beginning operations last year, the privately owned refinery has significantly reduced the cost of petrol for Nigerians, while also challenging existing players in the oil distribution chain.
But its growing dominance has sparked concerns about the emergence of a monopoly, especially with its backing from Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.
Before the refinery began production, Nigeria despite being a top oil producer relied heavily on imported fuel due to years of mismanagement and neglect of government-owned refineries.
