The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, has announced that its members will halt all operations beginning Monday, September 8, in protest against what it describes as a growing threat of monopoly in the downstream petroleum sector.
The association disclosed the decision in a communiqué issued after its zonal council meeting held on Saturday, which brought together council members, officers, depot chairmen, and secretaries from across the South West region, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Allegations of Monopoly
IPMAN accused Dangote Refinery and MRS Energy Ltd of attempting to dominate petroleum supply and distribution channels, a situation the marketers say could marginalize independent operators and restrict competition in the sector.
“Allowing such dominance would not only stifle smaller marketers but also put fuel distribution and pricing in the hands of a few players,” the communiqué noted.
Solidarity With NUPENG
The strike action is also being staged in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has raised concerns over job security for petroleum tanker drivers. Both groups have expressed fears that recent trends could result in mass job losses and worsening working conditions for workers across the value chain.
Possible Impact
With IPMAN controlling a large portion of independent filling stations across the South West, the shutdown could disrupt fuel distribution and trigger scarcity in major cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, and Abeokuta. Long queues at filling stations are anticipated if the strike goes ahead as planned.
Call for Dialogue
IPMAN urged the federal government and regulatory authorities to intervene promptly, warning that failure to address the issues could escalate tensions in the downstream oil sector. The association emphasized that its members remain committed to serving the public but insisted that fair competition and job protection must be guaranteed.
Industry analysts have cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could destabilize supply chains, impact transportation costs, and put additional pressure on Nigeria’s already volatile fuel market.
