Multiple roadside petrol vendors have emerged in the Calabar metropolis as petrol stations shut down operations in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey around Calabar on Tuesday showed that many petrol stations were not open for business. Managers who spoke to NAN confirmed that the closure of their premises complied with the NUPENG directive.
The strike was called by NUPENG, which had directed its members to commence an indefinite nationwide strike over alleged anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery. The union had accused the refinery of a move to hire non-affiliated drivers, which it claims could render no fewer than 250,000 members jobless.
At a popular fueling station in the Atimbo area of Calabar, the manager, who preferred anonymity, said: “We were ordered by our union to suspend services, and that is what we are doing.”
“We were told that any station found dispensing petrol to the public risked being fined up to N1 million, so we are closed for now,” the manager said.
Some motorists who spoke to NAN described the development as disheartening and unnecessary.
Mr Aniekan Edet, a commercial bus driver, said that the development would end up bringing untold hardship on members of the public.
“We now buy petrol above the approved pump price from roadside sellers. This will eventually add to the cost of transportation if the situation persists,” he said.
Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, a resident, said that it was wrong for the authorities to handle industrial matters in ways that negatively impact on the public.
“I have no petrol in my car, I intended to refuel at a nearby station so that I can take my kids to school. I am stranded now.
“If I don’t get petrol today, it means that I can’t move out tomorrow, this is annoying and frustrating,” she said.
