The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over an impending fuel scarcity in Rivers State, attributing the issue to activities by the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP).
In a statement released over the weekend by PETROAN spokesperson, Joseph Obele, the association highlighted that the ongoing crisis between ADITOP and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has effectively shut down the oil and gas sector in Rivers State since January 16. PETROAN warned that the situation poses severe economic risks to both the state and the nation at large.
PETROAN called on the Rivers State Government to declare a state of emergency over ADITOP’s activities, describing the group as a new entrant attempting to establish itself in the oil and gas sector without adhering to due processes.
“It’s impossible for any new group to gain recognition in the Nigerian oil and gas sector without the endorsement of key stakeholders, led by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum. NUPENG, as a critical stakeholder, cannot be sidelined by any emerging group,” PETROAN emphasized.
The statement further disclosed that NUPENG has suspended all petroleum product lifting in Rivers State due to internal disputes involving ADITOP and PTD, a move that has paralyzed operations in the state’s oil and gas sector.
PETROAN expressed fears that the prolonged shutdown could escalate into a full-blown fuel scarcity, leading to hardship for residents and significant economic losses. The association urged the government and relevant stakeholders to intervene swiftly to resolve the crisis and prevent a disaster with potentially catastrophic impacts on revenue, lives, and property.
“If this crisis is not resolved promptly, it could result in severe fuel scarcity in Rivers State, causing further hardship for residents and economic downturns. Timely action is necessary to avert this looming scenario,” the statement read.
PETROAN’s warning underscores the urgency of addressing the conflict, as the oil and gas sector remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, with disruptions posing risks that extend beyond state borders.
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