Black Market Surfaces In Delta As IPMAN, NUPENG Begin Strike

Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have commenced an indefinite strike in Delta State.

The strike has led to fuel scarcity, especially Asaba and its environs, as IPMAN and NUPENG announced indefinite strike beginning Monday, September 8, 2025.

Our Correspondent reports that many filling stations were closed across the state, prompting resurgence of ‘black market’ activities.

Filling stations such as Rain Oil, Shafa, Matrix and others remained closed, while desperate motorists and businesses turned to roadside fuel retailers, who charged between N1,800 to N2,000 per litre.

Residents and road users expressed frustration while struggling to cope with the rising costs of transportation and goods.

Workers and fuel attendants at Rain Oil by Asaba/Benin Expressway were seen sitting idle just as one of the attendants simply called David, said he was obeying the instructions given to him by his boss not to sell product.

The strike decision was reached after an emergency meeting held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where both unions resolved to shut down all filling stations across the state from 6a.m. on Monday until further directives were issued by the national leadership of the unions.

In a circular distributed to marketers, the unions warned that any filling station found operating during the strike would be fined ₦1 million.

“Arising from an emergency meeting today, 6th September 2025, IPMAN and NUPENG have agreed that as from Monday, 8th September 2025, all filling stations should remain closed pending further directives from our national leadership.

“Any station found wanting will pay a fine of ₦1 million. Please pass this message round, as injury to one is injury to all,” the strike notice read.