Dangote Refinery warns of fuel, power crisis over PENGASSAN supply cut threat

Dangote Refinery warns of fuel, power crisis over PENGASSAN supply cut threat

• Labels union directive “economic sabotage”
• Urges govt quick intervention

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised the alarm over a directive issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which called for a halt in crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

The company warned that such an action could trigger a severe fuel crisis across the country, affecting millions of Nigerians and causing massive revenue losses for the government.

In a strongly worded statement, Dangote Refinery described the union’s order as “criminal, reckless, and an act of economic sabotage,” stating that enforcement would disrupt the production and distribution of essential fuels—petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas.

“These are products used daily by Nigerians from all walks of life,” the statement read. “Any sudden disruption will lead to insufferable hardship for citizens and businesses, with far-reaching effects on the national economy.”

The company stressed that it is one of the largest contributors to both federal and state revenues, and that any forced halt in operations would negatively impact government income and investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Dangote Refinery also emphasized that PENGASSAN lacks the legal authority to interfere in its supply contracts with third-party vendors, calling the union’s move a violation of the rule of law.

“No law grants PENGASSAN the right to disrupt supply contracts or direct vendors to cut off crude and gas supplies,” the statement said.

“Such interference is not only illegal but constitutes a criminal breach of contract.”

The refinery urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene fast, warning that fuel queues, power shortages, and inflationary pressures could quickly reemerge if the union’s directive is enforced.

“It’s not just a refinery at risk—it’s the stability of the country’s energy supply, economy, and international reputation,” the company said, urging PENGASSAN to pursue legal and peaceful means of resolving disputes.