Fuel scarcity looms as petrol tanker drivers withdraw services nationwide
Nigerians may be facing another fuel scarcity across the country as tanker owners have declared their readiness to halt the transportation of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, commencing Monday, February 19, 2024.
The petrol tanker owners under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) hinged the decision on the soaring operational costs experienced by its members, primarily due to the exorbitant price of diesel needed to fuel their trucks for product transportation across the country.
This is as petroleum products marketers are seeking for adjustment on pump price to cushion the effect of the constant upward movement of dollar that has impacted on their operational costs.
NARTO, in a letter dated February 15th 2024, notified the secretary general of NUPENG, of its intention to withdraw the lifting of products.
In the letter signed by NARTO’s national president, Yusuf Lawal Othman, the transporters placed their grievance on the table insisting that it will down tools from today Monday February 19, 2024.
Among their grievances is failed negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rate for its operations .
READ ALSO:Labour shifts ground on N1m minimum wage as panel meets Monday
The notice of withdrawal of their services and operations portends serious implications for the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, as NARTO controls over 80 per cent of the petroleum transportation in Nigeria.
NARTO said it had no other option but to inform NUPENG that its National Executive Council, NEC, had resolved to direct all its members not to make their petroleum trucks available for petroleum product loading activities starting Monday, February 19, 2024.
The group appealed to its employees, who are members of NUPENG, to show maximum cooperation, support and understanding of its collective efforts for the continued sustainability of the petroleum haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance with the directive.
The workers lamented that it was impossible to continue in the business within the context of the country’s current economic situation.
The notice of withdrawal of operations was also sent to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, MMDPRA, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the executive secretary of MEMAN.
