The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN) has raised concerns about an ongoing conflict between oil distributors and transporters in Rivers State, warning it could result in fuel shortages.
In a statement released on Saturday, PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, called on the state government to address the issue, which he said was caused by the activities of a new group, the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP). PETROAN claims ADITOP has entered the oil sector without following proper procedures and is using Rivers State as a starting point for its expansion.
PETROAN stated that ADITOP is not recognised by key industry players, including the Minister of Petroleum and NUPENG (National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers). NUPENG has already halted all fuel lifting in Rivers State due to internal conflicts involving ADITOP and its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.
The halt in operations has disrupted the oil and gas sector in Rivers State since January 16, potentially causing significant economic losses. PETROAN warned that if the government does not step in, fuel shortages will affect residents and businesses in the state.
PETROAN’s national president, Dr Billy Gillis Harry, has directed all members in Rivers State to support NUPENG and PTD in resolving the crisis. The association emphasised the need for unity to restore normalcy in the sector.
Background
This is not the first time ADITOP has faced opposition. In December 2024, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) publicly rejected ADITOP, accusing the group of disrupting harmony in the downstream oil sector.
If the crisis continues, residents of Rivers State could face severe fuel shortages, increasing hardships and economic challenges. PETROAN urges swift government action to prevent further disruption.