PETROAN Raises Alert About Impending Fuel Scarcity

PETROAN, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, has urged Rivers State government to take steps to check the activities of Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP), a new group trying to enter the oil and gas sector without following proper procedures.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN was worried that ADITOP was trying to use 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 Minister Petroleum (Oil),” Obe le said.
He however stated that the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) a critical stakeholder was already taking steps to check the crisis that the new group was already causing.
He said, “NUPENG has already suspended all petroleum products 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.”
Dr. Obele said the National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis Harry, has directed all members of PETROAN in Rivers State to show solidarity with NUPENG and PTD.
“This directive is aimed at supporting the two unions in their efforts to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy to the oil and gas sector in the state.”