Fuel supply disruption hits Enugu over Dangote, NUPENG face-off

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Fuel Scarcity Cripples Enugu as Dangote–NUPENG Dispute Escalates

Commuters in Enugu were stranded on Tuesday as sudden fuel shortages forced many petrol stations to shut down around midday, triggering transport disruptions and price hikes. Motorists unable to access Premium Motor Spirit turned to black-market vendors selling at up to ₦1,500 per litre.

The scarcity stems from a labour face-off between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). On September 7, PUNCH Online reported that Dangote had barred new drivers from joining unions—a move that prompted NUPENG to threaten a nationwide strike. Despite government mediation led by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, talks ended in deadlock after Dangote’s representatives rejected key demands.

Describing Dangote as a “dictator investor,” NUPENG vowed to press on until its conditions were met. In solidarity, both major and independent petroleum marketers shut down operations, leaving most stations locked.

The impact was immediately visible across Enugu. Typically busy junctions such as Ogui, Abakpa, IMT, Emene, and Holy Ghost were unusually quiet, with few vehicles available. Commuters scrambled for the limited state-run buses, while private operators hiked fares—raising the Garriki–New Market trip from ₦300 to as much as ₦500. Shorter routes also doubled in price.

A bus conductor explained, “We bought fuel from the black market, so fares had to change.” Many drivers and tricycle operators voiced frustration at the abrupt disruption.

One minibus driver lamented, “Filling stations are locked everywhere. It’s the fuel I bought yesterday that I’m still using.” Another commuter recounted being turned away at an NNPC station after NUPENG officials ordered pumps shut, adding that black-market sellers were demanding up to ₦2,000 per litre.

The sudden shutdown has left residents anxious about how to get home, with many bracing for even steeper transport costs by evening.

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