Petroleum products tanker drivers in Nigeria have announced their intention to suspend operations starting from Monday, February 19.
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) cited high operating costs and inadequate government assistance as the primary reasons for their decision.
If the directive is carried out, Nigerians may face an imminent fuel scarcity across the country.
Alhaji Yusuf Othman, the National President of NARTO, conveyed the union’s decision in a press release issued in Abuja.
He highlighted the considerable operational expenses faced by their members, stating that they spend more on operations than they receive in total revenue.
Despite efforts to seek assistance from various stakeholders within the Federal Government and the petroleum industry, the association has not seen any positive outcomes.
Othman emphasized that the freight rates for transporting petroleum products have remained unchanged since President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
For example, the N32 freight rate from Lagos to Abuja, established when the dollar was valued at N650, persists even though the dollar is now valued at N1,615.
The potential suspension of service by petroleum tanker drivers has already sparked concerns among Nigerians, as it could lead to a fuel scarcity in the country.
Some filling stations have already adjusted their pump prices of petrol to as high as N700 per litre.
It remains to be seen how the government and stakeholders will respond to the grievances raised by NARTO.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
