Commuters in Enugu State were left stranded on Tuesday as a sudden fuel scarcity gripped the state capital, forcing many petrol stations to shut down around midday. Motorists were unable to access Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and were left idling on major roads, while some turned to black-market vendors charging up to N1,500 per litre.

Recall, on September 7, PUNCH Online reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery barred new drivers from joining unions, prompting the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers to threaten a nationwide strike.

Despite Federal Government intervention through the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammad Dingyadi, a conciliation meeting ended in stalemate as Dangote’s representatives rejected some of the demands.

NUPENG condemned Dangote’s “dictator investor” approach and vowed to continue until its demands were met.

Our correspondent observed that the normally busy roads during evening rush hour, such as Ogui Junction, Abakpa Junction, IMT, Emene, and Holy Ghost, were unusually empty, with few vehicles moving as commuters struggled to find transport.

Many were forced to rely on the limited New Enugu bus service, which was barely visible on the roads due to low fleet numbers.

Petrol station attendants attributed the scarcity to an ongoing labour dispute between Dangote Refinery and the NUPENG.

According to one station manager, he said, “So, in solidarity with NUPENG, both Major Marketers and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN stations joined the strike to force Dangote to comply.”

The strike led to immediate fare hikes for commuters. Buses that normally charged N300 from Garriki to New Market increased fares to between N400 and N500, while shorter trips now cost as much as N200.

A conductor explained, “The transport fare has changed because we bought our supply through the black market.”

Motorists and tricycle operators expressed frustration at the sudden disruption.

“I don’t know why the filling stations are not selling fuel. They are locked everywhere. It is the fuel I bought yesterday that I am still using,” one minibus driver lamented.

Another commuter added, “I was at the NNPC station this morning to buy fuel. I was getting close to the pump when NUPENG people came and stopped them. I don’t have enough fuel. I heard that the black market is N2,000 a litre, so I’ll soon go home.”

The unexpected shutdown and fare hikes left many residents worried about returning home in the evening.

“I don’t know how I’ll get back home. By the time we are going back, the fares will go even higher,” a commuter said, highlighting the immediate economic impact of the dispute. (The PUNCH)