The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have threatened to shut down operations at the Calabar Depot over the deplorable state of the Calabar–Itu Highway, a major route used for transporting petroleum products into Cross River and neighbouring states.
The unions issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to urgently intervene and fix the Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene highway, warning that failure to address the situation would lead to a total shutdown of petroleum product loading and distribution from the depot.
According to a letter signed by the chairman and Secretary of IPMAN Calabar unit, Mr Robert Obi, and Mr. Victor Nnanna, respectively, union leaders have also directed members to suspend the lifting of petroleum products until decisive steps are taken to rehabilitate the road.
A source within the union said the leadership was determined to pursue the matter to the end, stressing that they were no longer willing to accept what they described as routine promises from government agencies.
Meanwhile, fuel price in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has risen in recent days, with petrol now selling for about N1,350 per litre in many filling stations across the metropolis.
The increase marks a sharp rise from the previous pump price range of about N845 to N850 per litre, raising concerns among motorists and commuters who depend on petrol for transportation and daily activities.
Despite the rising pump price, there are currently no long queues at most filling stations in Calabar, as several outlets are still dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
However, residents fear that the threat by IPMAN and NUPENG to halt operations could worsen the situation if the government fails to urgently address the concerns raised by the unions.