Fuel prices across Abuja spiked on Monday as the crisis between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) deepened, leaving government intervention efforts in deadlock.
At Ranoil and Empire filling stations in Gwarimpa and along the Kubwa Expressway, pump prices rose to between ₦910 and ₦920 per litre, up from last week’s ₦890–₦910 range.
The hike followed the nationwide strike declared by PENGASSAN after the dismissal of refinery workers allegedly targeted for union activities. The union vowed to sustain the action until the affected employees are reinstated.
“All comrades are therefore directed to continue with the industrial action until further instruction,” PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Ighotemu, stated in a directive.
A late-night meeting on Monday convened by the federal government to mediate between both sides failed to produce results. Confirming the stalemate, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo told reporters early Tuesday that the dialogue yielded no progress.
Despite mounting pressure, Dangote Refinery — Africa’s largest, with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity — has stood firm, refusing to reverse the sackings. The company has not disclosed the number of affected workers.
The dispute has gained wider labour backing, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) joining the strike. This solidarity move crippled operations at key oil sector regulators including the NNPCL, NUPRC, and NMDPRA offices in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) linked the sharp rise in fuel prices to panic buying triggered by the standoff. “It is the anxiety created by the dispute that has led to panic buying, which shot up prices,” IPMAN President Abubakar Maigandi warned, adding that more hardship looms unless the government takes urgent steps.
In a related development, Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim of the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim order restraining PENGASSAN from continuing its strike. The union, however, dismissed the ruling, claiming it was unaware of the court process.
Over the weekend, Dangote Refinery accused PENGASSAN of employing “bully and terror tactics.” The union swiftly rejected the allegation, insisting its actions were fully within constitutional rights.
With the crisis showing no sign of resolution, Nigerians may face further fuel shortages and price hikes in the coming days.
