NARTO Voices Worries Over Northern Fuel Supply Disruption

Concerns Raised by NARTO on Northern Fuel Availability

The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed ban on petroleum tankers with capacities exceeding 45,000 liters. NARTO President, Yusuf Othman, emphasized that such a ban could significantly disrupt fuel distribution, particularly to northern regions of Nigeria, potentially leading to shortages.

He highlighted that approximately 2,000 trucks, each valued at around N150 million, are currently in operation to transport fuel nationwide. The proposed ban could render these vehicles obsolete, resulting in an estimated loss of N300 billion in investments for tanker owners.

Othman also pointed out that the primary causes of tanker-related accidents are poor road conditions and driver issues, rather than the size of the tankers themselves. He urged the government to consider alternative safety measures and to support tanker owners, possibly through a buy-back policy, if the ban proceeds.

In a related development, the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed support for the government’s initiative to ban large fuel trucks, acknowledging the potential safety benefits. However, PETROAN also raised concerns about possible job losses resulting from the ban and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses safety while mitigating economic impacts.