Operational Costs: Fuel scarcity looms as petrol tanker drivers withdraw services nationwide

Fuel scarcity looms as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners(NARTO) withdraws its service nationwide from today, Monday due to economic hardship caused by high operational costs and low freight rates.

According to a letter dated February 15, 2024, signed by Yusuf Othman, National President, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers(NUPENG), the service withdrawal commences from today, Monday, February 19.

NARTO in the notice of withdrawal of operations addressed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers(NUPENG), said it can no longer continue with operations due to the state of the economy.

The association said several efforts made to get the freight rates for its operations reviewed have had no positive results.

“We are deeply constrained to seek the support and understanding of your Union and members towards the excruciating challenges petroleum trucks owners are facing with the high operational costs in the Industry.

“As you are already aware of several efforts we have made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rates for our operations from all conceivable authorities concerned in the industry, most especially the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria but which have received no positive responses from them.

“We have no other options but write to inform you that the NARTO National Executive Council, NEC, has resolved to direct all our members not to make their Petroleum Trucks available for Petroleum Products loading activities with effect from Monday, 19th day of February 2024.

“In the light of this directive, we implore all our employees (Petroleum Truck Drivers), who are your members to show maximum cooperation, support and understanding to our collective efforts for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance.

“There is definitely no way we can continue in this business within the context of the current economic situation in the country,” NARTO said.

The notice of withdrawal of operations was also sent to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the Department of State Services and the executive secretary of MEMAN.