The indefinite strike declared by some major players in the downstream sector commenced on Monday, with many filling stations in Ibadan shut and just a few selling petroleum products.

The South-West zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had issued directives for their members to embark on strike.

IPMAN and NUPENG declared the strike in protest against plans by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, alongside MRS Energy Ltd, to commence direct distribution of premium motor spirit (PMS).

Some filling stations under IPMAN and a number of major marketers did not open for business; a few others operated normally.

The impact of the strike had yet to be felt by motorists and commuters as Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) retail stations were dispensing fuel across the city.

A commercial driver, Alani Adegoke, who purchased petrol at an NNPC station, expressed concern that prolonged industrial action could negatively affect Nigerians.

“We want the government to respond to this crisis before it festers and degenerates into a serious issue,” he said.

Similarly, a commercial motorcyclist, Gbenga Oworu, expressed the hope that ongoing discussions to resolve the ongoing impasse would yield a quick resolution.

“We don’t want anything that will make life harder for common people. Many of us, if we don’t go out in a day, cannot eat or provide food for our families,” he said.

A mother and businesswoman, Olubunmi Bamigbade, said whatever issues there were should be resolved before students resume for a new session next Monday.

“We haven’t felt it yet, but if the school should resume and the issue lingers, then it will be a big problem for Nigerians.

“We want our government to please rise to the occasion and resolve whatever there is so we will have no problem,” Ms Bamigbade said.

Normal activities continued in areas such as Bashorun, Akobo, Ikolaba, Bodija, Ring Road, Oke-Ado, Dugbe, and Jericho, as the strike had not disrupted daily life in the city.

(NAN)