By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The suspended industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has left Rivers State residents counting their losses, following days of severe fuel scarcity.
Almost all filling stations in the state shut their doors during the strike, throwing the state into chaos and forcing motorists to turn to the black market, where operators seized the opportunity to profiteer.
A litre of fuel was sold between N2,000 and N2,500 on the streets, compared to the N1,000 previously charged. The source of supply for black market dealers remains unclear, raising further concerns among residents.
The strike also triggered sharp increases in transport fares, compounding the hardship of commuters. Motorists across the state raised their fares simultaneously, leaving many stranded or forced to pay much higher rates.
Against this backdrop, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is said to be preparing for a possible face-off with the Federal Government. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, recently warned that the N70,000 minimum wage can no longer sustain workers in the face of rising living costs.
A commercial bus driver in Port Harcourt told our correspondent he had bought fuel at N2,500 per litre from the black market, as all filling stations were closed.
“The situation has affected the cost of transportation as prices have increased. A journey that used to cost N200 is now N300, and where we used to take N400 is now N500 or even N600. Passengers complain, but we have no choice if we want to break even and take something home,” he explained.
Another driver, who plies the Iwofe–Rumuola–Ada-George axis, said the development had disrupted his business.
“This has really affected me. I was supposed to take passengers from Port Harcourt to Onitsha by 8am. I left home by 7am to get fuel, but every filling station was closed. Since morning I’ve not been able to buy fuel, and that trip has been cancelled,” he lamented.
Commuters also expressed frustration at the ripple effects of the strike. One passenger complained bitterly that transportation costs had become unbearable.
“I have spent so much on transport today alone. This strike is punishing ordinary people who are only trying to survive,” he said.
PETROAN’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, confirmed to journalists in Port Harcourt that the strike was total, with full compliance from members.
“Our members have locked up their outlets in solidarity with NUPENG. We are determined to push for fairness and healthy competition in the downstream sector,” Obele stated.