Oil tankers strike: Our members have no conflict with NARTO — MEMAN clarifies

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has clarified that its members have no conflict with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

MEMAN comprises 11Plc, Ardova Plc, Conoil, NNPC Retail Ltd, MRS and Total Energies.

In a statement on Monday evening, the Association said, “The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) notes with concern the strike initiated by the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) which started today, February 19, 2024.

“MEMAN clarifies that there’s no conflict between its members and the transport unions. Individual marketers are in discussions with their transporters for fair rates, adhering to the Petroleum Industry Act and FCCPC Act, which prohibits jointly setting rates.

“Pump price deregulation promotes healthy competition, encouraging cost-reduction measures for better customer value. It’s a gradual process that requires time for full price recovery and market competition. All stakeholders, including operators and MDAs, must collaborate to optimise the supply chain for affordability amid the challenging environment.

“MEMAN and its members recognise the industry’s complexities and commits to sustainable solutions in cooperation with relevant stakeholders,” the statement read.

Recall that NARTO commenced its strike action on Monday while alleging that its request for oil marketers to review freight rates was declined despite the deregulation of the downstream sector.