Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector was thrown into fresh uncertainty on Friday as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) ordered an immediate suspension of gas and crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

In a directive dated September 26, 2025, and signed by the union’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, PENGASSAN instructed its branch chairmen in Total Energies, Seplat, Renaissance, Chevron, Oando, Shell Nigeria Gas, and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to halt all crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

The move, which also extends to suspending loading operations for vessels headed to the refinery, follows the alleged mass disengagement of Nigerian workers at the facility after they exercised their right to unionize.

According to the union, Dangote Refinery’s management has resorted to “misinformation and propaganda” instead of engaging constructively with workers, prompting the drastic action.

“NGIC Chairman, ensure that gas supply to the refinery is cut off effective immediately. All crude oil supply valves to the refinery should be shut. The loading operation for vessels headed there should be halted immediately,” the directive stated.

The development marks a dangerous escalation of the labour crisis at Africa’s largest refinery, which already faces criticism over its recent suspension of petrol sales in naira. Analysts warn that the dual shocks of forex-linked fuel pricing and labour unrest could trigger severe volatility in the downstream sector.

Industry observers say the refinery, which plays a critical role in stabilising Nigeria’s fuel market, may face operational shutdown if the union’s orders are fully enforced — a situation that could disrupt petrol and gas supply nationwide.

With the refinery positioned as a cornerstone of the federal government’s energy security reforms, stakeholders fear the crisis could spiral into a national emergency if not urgently resolved.