The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s impending ban on large tankers carrying more than 60,000 litres of petroleum products, warning that it could disrupt fuel supply and drive up prices, especially in northern Nigeria.
The ban, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, was introduced due to frequent accidents and explosions linked to overloaded tankers, which have claimed 493 lives in the past three years. By October 1, 2025, the limit will be further reduced to 45,000 litres per truck.
NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, cautioned that the restriction could lead to fuel shortages in the North, which depends on supplies from southern depots. He also noted that the policy could result in financial losses exceeding ₦300 billion, while threatening the livelihoods of about 2,000 drivers and their families.
To comply with the new regulations, NARTO is considering modifying tanker capacities through fabrication. The association is also exploring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure development as an alternative.
