Fuel Scarcity Looms As PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike

Fuel Scarcity Looms As PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike

Nigeria is on the verge of another round of fuel scarcity following the decision of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to embark on a nationwide strike. The development, which was announced earlier today, has already sparked fears of long queues at filling stations across major cities as Nigerians brace for the impact of yet another disruption in the petroleum supply chain.

Rising Tensions in the Oil and Gas Sector

PENGASSAN, one of the most powerful unions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, declared the industrial action in protest against what it described as “unresolved welfare issues, unfair labor practices, and government’s failure to address lingering challenges in the energy sector.” The union emphasized that the strike would be indefinite until authorities meet their demands.

This action comes at a time when the country is still grappling with economic hardship, high inflation, and rising energy costs. Analysts warn that the strike could paralyze fuel distribution nationwide, affecting not only motorists but also businesses that rely heavily on petroleum products for daily operations.

According to PENGASSAN leadership, the decision to embark on strike was not made lightly. They allege that the Federal Government has consistently ignored appeals to honor agreements related to wage adjustments, improved working conditions, and security guarantees for oil workers in volatile regions.

“Enough is enough. We cannot continue to work under unsafe conditions while promises are left unfulfilled. The government has shown insincerity, and this strike is a last resort,” a senior official of the union told journalists in Abuja.

Looming Fuel Scarcity Across Major Cities

As soon as the strike was announced, panic buying began in several states, with motorists thronging fuel stations to fill their tanks. In Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, long queues were already building by Sunday evening, while some stations reportedly shut down operations, anticipating supply disruptions.

Analysts warn that if the strike persists beyond a few days, Nigeria could face acute shortages, given the country’s fragile fuel supply chain. With local refineries still largely inactive, Nigeria depends heavily on imports of refined petroleum products. Any halt in the distribution network will immediately reflect at the pump.

Economic Ripple Effects

Fuel scarcity in Nigeria often triggers a ripple effect across all sectors of the economy. Transportation costs typically soar, driving inflation higher as goods and services become more expensive. Small businesses reliant on petrol and diesel to power generators also bear the brunt, as power supply remains unreliable.

The timing of this strike is particularly troubling, as Nigerians are already contending with rising food prices, a weakening naira, and the aftermath of subsidy removal policies. Experts warn that prolonged industrial action could further deepen public frustration and erode confidence in government management of the oil sector.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has appealed to the union to reconsider its stance, urging dialogue as a way forward. Officials insist that ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector are aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, but unions counter that workers’ welfare should not be sacrificed in the process.

Efforts are reportedly underway to convene an emergency meeting between government representatives, PENGASSAN, and stakeholders in the downstream sector. However, union leaders insist that until concrete commitments are met, operations will remain shut down.