A potential fuel scarcity crisis is emerging across Nigeria following a directive by the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to suspend the scheduling of petroleum tankers at the Dangote Refinery loading terminals.
The suspension, which takes effect from June 16, 2025, stems from a dispute over the implementation of the Lagos State Government’s E-call-up system at the Lekki-Epe corridor.
The digital scheduling system, managed in partnership with Call-Up Technologies Limited, mandates a fee of N12,500 per truck—a charge NARTO has rejected.
According to a memo dated June 14 and signed by NARTO President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, the association had earlier proposed a reduced fee of N2,500 per truck, arguing that the current demand is unrealistic given the prevailing economic conditions.
Despite multiple engagements with government stakeholders, no agreement has been reached.
The association has now instructed its members to halt all tanker programming at Dangote Refinery depots until the issue is resolved.
This directive, if prolonged beyond 48 hours, could significantly disrupt the distribution of petroleum products nationwide, potentially triggering a fresh wave of fuel scarcity.
NARTO has called on its members to remain united and vigilant as negotiations with the Lagos State Government continue.
The association emphasized its commitment to a fair and economically sustainable resolution that would not overburden transport operators or affect national fuel supply chains.
