Nigerians are facing fresh hardship at fuel stations as petrol prices increase following the unresolved dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

A crucial meeting held on Monday between the Federal Government, Dangote Refinery, and PENGASSAN ended in a deadlock, with no agreement reached on the mass sack of refinery workers who belong to the union. PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, confirmed the outcome, describing the session simply as “deadlock.”

Checks across Abuja showed fuel prices already climbing. At filling stations in Gwarimpa and along the Kubwa Expressway, pump prices rose from ₦890 to ₦910 and ₦920 per litre.

The crisis stems from PENGASSAN’s demand that Dangote Refinery recall workers allegedly sacked for union membership. The union declared that its nationwide strike, which began Monday, will continue until management addresses its grievances. In solidarity, the Nigeria Labour Congress and other labour groups have also joined the strike, grounding operations at key agencies including the NNPCL, NUPRC, and NMDPRA in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim of the National Industrial Court in Abuja granted Dangote Refinery an interim order restraining PENGASSAN from striking. However, the union insists it is unaware of such a ruling and vowed to press on with industrial action.

Reacting to the fuel price hike, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, attributed the situation to panic buying triggered by the standoff. He urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to restore stability.

Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi acknowledged that the dispute must be resolved urgently “for the good of Nigerians, the union and the employers.” Yet, no concrete resolution has been made public as of the time of this report.

With pump prices already climbing above ₦900 per litre, Nigerians brace for tougher days ahead unless a swift truce is reached between Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN, and the government.