Fuel Scarcity Returns to Abuja as PENGASSAN Strike Disrupts Supply

Lengthy fuel queues have reappeared across filling stations in the nation’s capital, Abuja, causing significant inconvenience for motorists. The scarcity stems from an industrial dispute between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The union initiated industrial action after alleging that Dangote Refinery unlawfully terminated 800 workers for exercising their constitutional right to unionise. In response, PENGASSAN directed its members to down tools, ordering an immediate shutdown of valves and a suspension of all crude oil supply operations to the DPRP.

The impact on the city’s fuel supply was immediate and severe. A survey of the city centre revealed that major stations, including Conoil and AP, were closed and not dispensing fuel. This forced motorists to travel across the city in search of operational outlets.

One of the few stations observed to be selling fuel was the Eterna filling station in Maitama, which was overwhelmed by the surge in demand. The chaotic scenes were exacerbated by touts who exploited the situation, allegedly collecting bribes from motorists to facilitate access to the pumps.