Fuel marketers are raising alarms over a potential petrol and cooking gas shortage following the Lagos State Government’s decision to impound multiple petroleum tankers. This action has led to the suspension of fuel loading operations, with some filling stations shutting down across the state.
The crisis began when government officials allegedly invaded a tanker parking area near the Dangote Refinery in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, towing away about 30 fuel-laden trucks. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned that if the seized tankers are not released, fuel marketers in the South-West may shut down operations completely.
IPMAN’s National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, noted that many of the impounded trucks belong to independent marketers, making the situation even more critical. He expressed frustration over the government’s approach, arguing that dialogue should have been the first step.
“This is really affecting us because most of these trucks belong to us, even the product belongs to some of the IPMAN members. So, it’s really affecting us and we are not happy with the action of the Lagos State Government. So, if there is anything, there is a need for dialogue,” he stated.
Fashola also warned that if the issue is not resolved, petrol stations could soon run dry. “Of course, there could be fuel scarcity. Though we have not closed down our stations; if we run out of stocks, what do we do?” he asked.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has raised concerns that the continued harassment of tanker drivers and the imposition of illegal levies on fuel trucks could disrupt the supply of cooking gas nationwide.
According to NALPGAM President, Abideen Olatunbosun, truck drivers have been boycotting fuel loading at the Dangote Refinery since February 22 in protest against what they described as “extortion” by government agencies.
“There is an imminent scarcity of cooking gas looming in the country. Agencies of the Lagos State Government’s drive for revenue have imposed commuting levies on petroleum products trucks including LPG trucks moving in and out of the state. Their activities have led to the paralysis of loading activities at Dangote Refinery since Saturday, February 22, 2025,” Olatunbosun noted.
He urged the Lagos State Government, along with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to step in before the situation worsens. He warned that if the issue is not resolved, the strike could spread to other states, affecting both fuel and cooking gas supply across the country.
In response to the crisis, the Lagos State Government stated that it had impounded 11 trucks for failing to comply with the e-call-up system introduced in January. The Deputy Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Transport, Bolanle Ogunlola, noted that enforcement officers had been attacked during the operation but assured that the trucks and suspects were later released as a goodwill gesture.
“The state government warns that these acts of clemency should not be seen as weakness on the part of the government. Stakeholders on the axis are cautioned that a total enforcement process will commence from March 1, 2025. All violators will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
Despite the government’s position, oil marketers and transport operators remain dissatisfied. The South-West Zone of IPMAN has threatened to halt operations in the region if the seized tankers are not released. The association’s chairman, Joseph Akanni, voiced support for the tanker drivers, stating, “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has expressed frustration over alleged extortion by Lagos traffic officials. NARTO President, Yusuf Othman, questioned why trucks were seized before the official enforcement date of the e-call-up system on March 1.
