The petroleum industry is on the verge of a supply crisis following the Lagos State Government’s enforcement actions against petroleum tanker drivers. Fuel marketers have raised concerns that the recent clampdown and alleged harassment of tanker operators could lead to a widespread fuel scarcity in Lagos and other states in the coming days.
On Monday, several filling stations were reportedly shut down across Lagos as oil marketers protested the impoundment of tankers by government officials. Industry stakeholders have warned that if the 30 tankers seized by the Lagos State Government are not released promptly, petroleum product distribution in the South-West could be severely disrupted.
Additionally, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has sounded the alarm over the imposition of unauthorized levies on petroleum product trucks by Lagos State agencies. According to the association, these levies could trigger a nationwide scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.
Government’s Crackdown on Tankers
Oil marketers have strongly condemned the Lagos State Government’s actions, alleging that officials forcefully removed tankers from their designated parking areas along the Dangote Refinery Road in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Reports indicate that 30 tankers, each loaded with 45,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), were towed away at approximately 2 AM on Saturday.
The tanker drivers, citing concerns over safety and alleged harassment, halted fuel loading operations over the weekend and extended their strike into Monday. According to sources, the drivers fear further government crackdowns, which could lead to further disruptions in fuel distribution.
Speaking with Hobnob News, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hammed Fashola, expressed deep concern over the development, emphasizing that the move by Lagos State authorities was counterproductive and detrimental to the nation’s energy supply.
“This action is severely affecting our business operations because most of the trucks belong to marketers, and even the products being transported are owned by our members,” Fashola stated. “Rather than taking such drastic steps, the government should have engaged stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.”
Fashola further explained that tanker drivers are instructed not to travel at night for safety reasons. As a result, many of them park their vehicles overnight before resuming their journey in the morning. “The government’s task force stormed the area at midnight and impounded all the trucks, including loaded and empty ones, without prior notice or engagement with stakeholders. This is not how regulations should be enforced,” he lamented.
Fuel Scarcity Inevitable If Crisis Persists
The continued impoundment of tankers and the suspension of fuel loading activities have raised fears of imminent fuel scarcity. Fashola noted that while filling stations are still dispensing fuel, supplies are running out fast.
“Of course, there could be fuel scarcity,” he warned. “Though our stations are still operational, once our stock runs out, there will be nothing left to sell. If the situation remains unresolved, Lagos and other states will start experiencing severe shortages.”
He urged the Lagos State Government to reconsider its approach, emphasizing that enforcement measures should be accompanied by adequate infrastructure and alternative solutions.
“You cannot impose regulations without providing viable alternatives. If the government is against parking along roadsides, then they should designate a modern truck park where these vehicles can safely wait. Without proper planning, such enforcement measures will only create more problems,” he asserted.
Lagos State Government Defends Action
In response to the growing backlash, the Lagos State Ministry of Transport issued a statement through its Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola. According to Ogunlola, the government had initially exercised leniency but was forced to take action following repeated violations of the e-call-up system, a digital system meant to regulate truck movements.
“The enforcement of the e-call-up system began on January 24, 2025, and 10 trucks were initially apprehended. However, these trucks were later released as a goodwill gesture by the state government, with assurances from stakeholders that they would comply with the new regulations,” the statement read.
Ogunlola added that on February 21, 2025, another 11 trucks were seized due to non-compliance. The enforcement officers were allegedly attacked during the operation, leading to arrests. Although the arrested individuals and seized trucks were eventually released, the government has now vowed to commence full enforcement from March 1, 2025.
“The Lagos State Government will no longer tolerate violations of the e-call-up system. Total enforcement will commence from March 1, and all violators will be held accountable,” the statement warned.
The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining order in the Lekki-Epe corridor, a strategic economic zone housing major industries, including the Dangote Refinery.
Cooking Gas Supply Also at Risk
Amid the ongoing crisis, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers has warned that Lagos State Government’s stringent levies and continued harassment of truck drivers could result in a nationwide cooking gas shortage.
NALPGAM President, Abideen Olatunbosun, explained that truck drivers have been boycotting loading operations at Dangote Refinery since February 22, 2025, to protest what they described as extortion by state regulatory agencies.
“There is an imminent scarcity of cooking gas looming in the country. Lagos State Government’s aggressive revenue drive has led to the imposition of illegal levies on petroleum product trucks, including those transporting LPG. This has caused widespread disruption in the industry,” Olatunbosun stated.
He urged the state authorities and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to intervene before the crisis escalates further.
“It is crucial that these government agencies halt the harassment of tanker drivers and stop the collection of illegal fees. If this strike continues, it may spread beyond Lagos and disrupt LPG distribution nationwide. The economic and social consequences of such a crisis would be severe,” he warned.
A Looming Crisis That Requires Urgent Intervention
As tensions between the Lagos State Government and petroleum marketers escalate, Nigerians are bracing for the impact of potential fuel and cooking gas shortages. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have urged the government to adopt a more collaborative approach to resolving the dispute.
Without urgent intervention, Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, could soon experience long queues at filling stations, skyrocketing fuel prices, and disruptions in household and industrial gas supply. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached to prevent a full-blown energy crisis.
