By Peter Omopo
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira following a fresh dispute with oil and gas unions, who have halted crude oil and natural gas supply to the facility over the alleged wrongful dismissal of a worker.
The unions, under the umbrella of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), announced the industrial action on Sunday, saying it would continue until the refinery reinstates the affected staff and addresses labour concerns.
The move immediately disrupted operations at Africa’s largest refinery, forcing management to suspend retail sales of petrol in the local currency while exploring alternative supply and payment arrangements.
A spokesperson for the refinery said discussions were ongoing with union leaders and relevant government agencies to resolve the standoff, describing the suspension of fuel sales as a “temporary measure” pending resolution of the dispute.
The refinery, which only recently commenced commercial operations, has been seen as a potential game-changer in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, with expectations of reducing fuel import dependence and stabilising local supply.
However, Sunday’s crisis underscores the fragility of industrial relations within the oil and gas sector and raises fresh concerns about the refinery’s ability to maintain steady output amid labour unrest.
