Sokoto residents may soon face acute transportation challenges as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers have begun shutting down filling stations across the state capital.

On Monday, union officials were seen closing several petrol outlets and halting the movement of petroleum tankers along major routes, including Gusau Road and other key highways linking Sokoto to neighbouring states.

Eyewitnesses reported that the officials placed leaves and barricades at strategic points, effectively disrupting the supply and distribution of fuel within the metropolis.

NUPENG representatives declined to speak to our correspondent on camera, but an enforcement member, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent, “We received an instruction from our national leaders at midnight to enforce this shutdown.

“We are only carrying out orders,” he said.

Some residents also expressed shock and frustration over the sudden development.

Speaking with PUNCH Online, a commercial tricycle operator, Bello Musa, said he came out for his daily bread through his commuting job, but he was disappointed to see that all the petrol stations are closed.

“I came out early to work and found that most filling stations are closed.

“If this continues, transport fares will go up, and it will affect everybody. We don’t even know the reason for this strike,” Musa said.

The sudden action has already triggered fears of fuel scarcity, with motorists and commuters worried about potential hikes in transportation fares and broader economic impacts if the shutdown persists.

As of press time, no official statement had been issued by NUPENG’s national leadership clarifying the reason behind the directive, leaving motorists and business owners uncertain about when normal fuel supply operations will resume.