Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association has raised an alarm over looming fuel scarcity due to the activities of a group known as the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products, ADITOP.
PETROAN made this known in a statement by its spokesperson, Joseph Obele, at the weekend.
PETROAN said the crisis between ADITOP and Petroleum Transport Drivers, PTD, has led to the shutdown of the oil and gas sector in Rivers State since January 16th, with potential severe economic implications for the state and indeed the country.
According to PETROAN, the Rivers State Government should declare a state of emergency on the activities of ADITOP.
“PETROAN, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, is urging the Rivers State government to declare a state of emergency on the activities of ADITOP, a new group trying to enter the oil and gas sector without following proper procedures. ADITOP stands for the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products, and PETROAN is concerned that they’re using Rivers State as a testing ground for their nationwide expansion.
“It’s impossible for any new group to gain recognition in the Nigerian oil and gas sector without the endorsement of stakeholders led by the honourable minister of Petroleum (oil). However, NUPENG is a critical stakeholder who cannot be neglected by any group trying to gain entrance.
“NUPENG has already suspended all petroleum product lifting in Rivers State due to an internal union crisis between ADITOP and PTD.
“The situation has led to a shutdown of the oil and gas sector in Rivers State since January 16th, with potential severe economic implications for the state.
“PETROAN is advising the government and stakeholders to intervene quickly to resolve the crisis and prevent any disasters that could lead to billions of losses in revenue, lives, and properties.
“If the crisis is not resolved quickly, it can lead to serious fuel scarcity in Rivers State causing hardship to residents and further economic losses. Therefore, prompt action is necessary to prevent this scenario, “the statement reads.
