Strike results in fuel shortages in Lagos

Members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) launched a strike on 18 April 2009, resulting in widespread fuel shortages in Lagos and surrounding states. The tanker drivers decided to go on strike on 17 April after the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) impounded 60 of their trucks for allegedly violating traffic laws. LASTMA is reportedly demanding the payment of 150,000 Nigeria naira (US$1,000) to release each impounded truck. The PTD has claimed that the LASTMA demands amount to extortion and will continue its strike until each truck is released unconditionally. Fuel shortages have already been reported in Lagos and neighboring Ogun state and have triggered panic buying nationwide; transport costs have also risen. The Independent Petroleum Marketers (IPMAN) has further warned of crippling shortages nationwide if the PTD's demands are not quickly met.