Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has sounded the alarm over an imminent fuel scarcity linked to the actions of the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP).
In a statement issued over the weekend by PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele, the association highlighted that ongoing disputes between ADITOP and Petroleum Transport Drivers (PTD) have effectively halted oil and gas operations in Rivers State since January 16.
The prolonged shutdown poses significant economic risks, not only to Rivers State but also to the country at large, PETROAN warned.
Calling for urgent intervention, PETROAN urged the Rivers State Government to declare a state of emergency regarding ADITOP’s activities to prevent further disruptions in fuel distribution. The association emphasized that swift action is critical to avert a crisis in the downstream sector.
PETROAN also appealed to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to collaborate in resolving the crisis and ensuring the resumption of normal operations.
According to the statement:
“PETROAN, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, is urging the Rivers State government to declare a state of emergency on the activities of ADITOP, a new group trying to enter the oil and gas sector without following proper procedures. ADITOP stands for the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products, and PETROAN is concerned that they’re using Rivers State as a testing ground for their nationwide expansion.
“It’s impossible for any new group to gain recognition in the Nigerian oil and gas sector without the endorsement of stakeholders led by the honourable minister of Petroleum (oil). However, NUPENG is a critical stakeholder who cannot be neglected by any group trying to gain entrance.
“NUPENG has already suspended all petroleum product lifting in Rivers State due to an internal union crisis between ADITOP and PTD.
“The situation has led to a shutdown of the oil and gas sector in Rivers State since January 16th, with potential severe economic implications for the state.
“PETROAN is advising the government and stakeholders to intervene quickly to resolve the crisis and prevent any disasters that could lead to billions of losses in revenue, lives, and properties.
“If the crisis is not resolved quickly, it can lead to serious fuel scarcity in Rivers State causing hardship to residents and further economic losses. Therefore, prompt action is necessary to prevent this scenario,” the statement reads.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
