The union has, therefore, threatened to sanction marketers selling above the approved ex-depot prices.

NUPENG alleged that the marketers were busy using the seemingly initial break in logistics from offshore vessels to exploit and extort the hapless public through racketeering and hoarding of the product.

In a statement yesterday by its President and Secretary General, Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, respectively, the union described the situation as appalling and shameful, calling on concerned authorities to quickly stem the ugly trend. 

To demonstrate its commitment to service, the union said it has placed members in the supply chain of petroleum products’ distribution from the depots workers, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and petrol stations’ workers on red alert to serve despite the prevailing security challenges in the country.

The union resolved to commence sanctioning any marketer found to be indulging in the unwholesome and disgusting practices of hoarding and racketeering.

According to the union, any marketer selling above the approved ex-depot prices would have the union to contend with henceforth.

It urged all members in the distribution chain to remain steadfast and dedicated to serving their fatherland.

“We are aware there are some decent and patriotic marketers, who are willing and ready to do business in ways and manners that will not exploit and inflict pains on the public. We are therefore calling on this set of marketers not to be discouraged or relent but to keep cooperating with the union and other patriotic stakeholders to help stem this ugly trend.

“We urge the government to also be sincere and make the product available in such quantities, ways and manners that will not give room for these unscrupulous elements to be holding our nation to ransom. The few wicked ones cannot and should not be allowed to overwhelm us,” it said.

The union also alerted that seven of its members, who are tanker drivers and moving product from A.Y Shafa and some other depots from South-South to the northern part of the country were currently hiding in bushes along Benin-Auchi-Lokoja highway due to attacks by bandits and hoodlums.

The union, however, said it has reached out to law enforcement agents for rescue and protection.