The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s impending ban on tankers carrying more than 60,000 litres of petroleum products, warning that it could significantly impact fuel supply in Northern Nigeria.

The ban, which takes effect on March 1, 2025, was introduced to curb frequent tanker accidents and explosions that have claimed 493 lives in the past three years. By October 1, 2025, the restriction will be further reduced to 45,000 litres per truck.

Economic and Supply Chain Concerns

NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, stated that the restriction would hinder fuel transportation to the North, which depends heavily on supplies from Southern depots. He also highlighted potential financial losses exceeding N300 billion and the threat to the livelihoods of around 2,000 drivers, 2,000 motor-boys, and their families.

To comply with the new regulations, NARTO is considering modifying tankers or shifting to alternative transport methods, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure. However, Othman emphasized that poor road conditions remain a major cause of tanker accidents and called on the government to address this issue.

“The deregulation of the sector has already made market dynamics unpredictable. While we acknowledge the government’s safety concerns, reducing tanker capacities could lead to supply shortages and price hikes,” Othman warned.

PETROAN Appeals to Tinubu

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that over 100,000 jobs in the petroleum sector could be affected.

In a statement on Sunday, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry acknowledged the government’s safety objectives but stressed the need to mitigate economic repercussions.

The statement noted that the ban could disrupt petroleum supply chains, especially as 60–70% of petroleum products originate from Lagos, including supplies from Dangote’s refinery.

While PETROAN urged compliance with the directive, it called on the government to introduce measures that would ease the transition and prevent fuel shortages and price hikes in affected regions.

With less than a week before implementation, stakeholders await government intervention to address the policy’s unintended consequences.