Long queues have reappeared at fuel stations across major cities in Nigeria following the worsening dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The feud, which has been brewing for weeks, is now threatening to trigger a nationwide fuel scarcity, raising concerns among citizens already grappling with economic hardship.
According to reports, the disagreement stems from issues bordering on workers’ welfare, operational standards, and allegations of unfair labor practices at the refinery. PENGASSAN, one of the most influential oil and gas unions in the country, has accused the management of Dangote Refinery of disregarding established labor agreements and failing to address pressing staff concerns. In response, the refinery has maintained that it is committed to best practices and is working within global standards, dismissing the union’s claims as exaggerated.
The standoff has disrupted fuel supply channels, with tanker drivers reportedly reluctant to lift products amid uncertainties surrounding the crisis. This development has led to panic buying in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities, where motorists now spend hours in long queues struggling to purchase petrol. Some filling stations have also adjusted pump prices upward, citing supply constraints, further compounding the frustrations of consumers.
The federal government has waded into the matter, calling for dialogue between both parties to avert a full-blown fuel crisis. Officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), are said to be engaging stakeholders in a bid to resolve the impasse. Government sources have stressed that the situation must be resolved quickly to prevent disruptions in economic activities nationwide.
Industry experts warn that if the feud lingers, it could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize its downstream oil sector. With the Dangote Refinery seen as a strategic asset meant to reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products, any disruption in its operations could deal a significant blow to energy security and ongoing economic reforms.
Meanwhile, commuters and business owners have raised alarm over the resurfacing fuel queues, noting the negative impact on transportation costs and general living expenses. Many Nigerians have urged the government to act decisively, arguing that ordinary citizens should not be made to suffer the consequences of unresolved disputes between corporate entities and labor unions.
As negotiations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the standoff. For now, the return of fuel queues has rekindled memories of past shortages, fueling fears that a prolonged crisis could once again paralyze economic and social life in Africa’s largest economy.
