Strike: Fuel Marketers Rally Tanker Drivers, As Long Queues Resurface At Filling Stations
By Sulaimon Salau
Fuel Marketers under the aegis of Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) have assured of their cordial relationship with the transporters to ensure smooth lifting of products.
The group in a statement made available to SlyeNews yesterday said individual marketers are currently in discussions with their transporters for fair rates of lifting products.
Recall that National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) had initiated strike action yesterday, thereby causing long queues to build up at filling stations.
NARTO had requested that oil marketers review the freight rates after the deregulation of the downstream sector.
MEMAN, in a statement said: “That there’s no conflict between its members and the transport unions. Individual marketers are in discussions with their transporters for fair rates, adhering to the Petroleum Industry Act and FCCPC Act, which prohibits jointly setting rates.
“Pump price deregulation promotes healthy competition, encouraging cost-reduction measures for better customer value. It’s a gradual process that requires time for full price recovery and market competition.
“All stakeholders, including operators and MDAs, must collaborate to optimize the supply chain for affordability amid the challenging environment. MEMAN and its members recognize the industry’s complexities and commit to sustainable solutions in cooperation with relevant stakeholders,” it stated.
Meanwhile, queues for petrol have resurfaced in some parts of Lagos and Abuja following the strike action.
Some of the filling stations sighted by SlyeNews were besieged by customers, while many were rationing products, selling with either one pump or two. Others have shut their stations due to lack of products.
In a letter dated February 15, 2024, addressed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the association said oil marketers turned down its request, stating that it can no longer continue with operations due to the state of the economy.
“We are deeply constrained to seek the support and understanding of your Union and members towards the excruciating challenges petroleum trucks owners are facing with the high operational costs in the Industry,” NARTO had said.
“In the light of this directive, we implore all our employees (Petroleum Truck Drivers), who are your members to show maximum cooperation, support and understanding to our collective efforts for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance.”
