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Latest update: 11/01/2012
- Nigeria - oil - unions - unrest
Nigerian union threatens crude oil shutdown
One of Nigeria’s main oil unions threatened to stage a shutdown of crude oil production Tuesday as paralysing protests entered their third day. The demonstrators are arguing against an end to fuel subsidies, which has doubled the price of petrol.
By News Wires (text)
AP - A Nigerian oil workers union on Wednesday threatened to shut down crude production in Africa's largest oil producer as a nationwide strike over soaring fuel prices pushed on for a third day.
"We are contemplating shutting down oil production," said Tokunbo Korodo, Lagos head for oil workers union NUPENG, one of two unions in the oil industry which mainly represents blue-collar workers.
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"We are just waiting for the outcome of discussions between labour and government today. The outcome of that meeting, if not favourable, will lead us to shutting down oil production."
While the strike that started on Monday has virtually paralysed the country and brought tens of thousands out into the streets nationwide, oil production has not been affected so far. Nigeria produces around 2.4 million barrels per day.
The strike was called over a government move to end fuel subsidies on January 1, which caused petrol prices to more than double in Africa's most populous nation where most people live on less than $2 per day.
Unions are calling on the government to return fuel prices to 65 naira per litre ($0.40, 0.30 euros), the level before January 1.
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Comments (1)
Nigerian fuel problem
President Goodluck Jonathan please sir we the Nigerian people base in South Africa,we plead you in the name of our good Lord,together with the gods of our land Nigeria. please sir,do some thing over this issue of fuel we don't want our parents that's under your care to die before we come home.we are here in South Africa suffering you surpose come here & talk to S.A goverment to take it easy for us,please sir i suggest the prise to be at list #55 as we call you our Goodluck.
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