Dangote Petroleum Refinery has warned that the recent directive by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to cut crude oil and gas supplies to its facility could plunge the country into another round of fuel scarcity and inflict heavy revenue losses on the government.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the refinery described the directive as “criminal, reckless, and an act of economic sabotage,” saying that its implementation would disrupt the production and nationwide distribution of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas.

“These products are essential to daily life and the economy. Any sudden disruption would impose insufferable hardship on Nigerians, from households to businesses and industries,” the statement read.

Dangote Refinery also warned that government revenue would take a hit, as the company is one of the country’s largest taxpayers. It added that halting operations would damage investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“This is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels,” the statement continued. “Dangote Refinery is the only facility of its type in Africa and should ordinarily be the pride of all Nigerians and the government. It qualifies as a strategic national asset that deserves special protection.”

The company insisted that PENGASSAN has no legal authority to interfere with its supply contracts and warned that such actions undermine the rule of law.

“No law gives PENGASSAN the right to direct its branches to cut off gas or crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery. It is criminal for the union or its members to disrupt or interfere in contracts entered into between Dangote Refinery and its vendors,” it said.

Calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene, the refinery cautioned that failure to act could lead to fuel queues, energy shortages, and price hikes across the country.

It urged PENGASSAN to pursue legal and amicable means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to actions that could trigger mayhem and economic instability.