The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced plans to suspend the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products for three days, starting from Tuesday, September 9, 2025. This decision was disclosed by the association’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, in Abuja.
According to a statement by PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, the association will embark on the three-day shutdown if consultations scheduled for Sunday and Monday fail to yield a positive outcome. The shutdown, which will commence at midnight on Tuesday, aims to resist monopolistic practices in the petroleum downstream sector and protect workers’ rights. PETROAN has assured that the action will be peaceful and lawful, reiterating its commitment to price stability and a productive industry.
The association’s decision is in response to concerns over the aggressive business approach of Dangote Refinery, which PETROAN believes could force private depot owners, modular refineries, marketers, and transport operators out of business, leading to mass unemployment and worsening economic conditions. Gillis-Harry urged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently to avert hardship on Nigerians.
To ensure safety at member outlets during the industrial action, a 120-man compliance team has been set up. PETROAN has reiterated its commitment to working with stakeholders to promote healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, which is vital to protecting jobs, stabilizing prices, and sustaining Nigeria’s economy. The association believes that collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders will foster a conducive environment for workers, promote sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy.
In a bid to mediate the proposed shutdown, PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting, where it resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday. The association has warned that if no fruitful outcome is achieved, it will proceed with the shutdown, and a compliance team will be mobilized to ensure the safety of its members’ facilities. As a critical player amongst stakeholders, PETROAN will continue to work towards ensuring healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, promoting a conducive environment for workers, and ultimately benefiting the Nigerian economy.
