The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun deploying over 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to launch the first phase of its direct fuel distribution scheme. The move, aimed at stabilising supply and reducing fuel prices nationwide, comes as the refinery marks one year of petrol production.
According to officials, the rollout had initially been scheduled for August 15 but was delayed due to shipping bottlenecks in China. Of the 4,000 trucks ordered, more than 1,000 had arrived in Lagos by the end of August, with hundreds more expected weekly.
“We are ready to begin direct distribution with the trucks we have on ground,” a senior Dangote official told The PUNCH, noting that the company’s goal is to drive down fuel prices and ease logistics challenges across the country.
Lower Prices from Monday
The refinery confirmed that from today, the gantry price of petrol will drop to ₦820 per litre, with pump prices set at ₦841 across Lagos and other South-West states, and ₦851 in Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Kwara.
The company said the deployment is expected to cut distribution costs, help curb inflation, and save Nigeria over ₦1.8 trillion annually. A nationwide rollout is planned as more trucks arrive, with the fleet projected to hit 10,000 trucks by year’s end.
IPMAN Pledges Support
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) welcomed the development, confirming that many of its members have applied online to receive direct fuel delivery from Dangote.
“We are on standby, ready to receive the trucks,” IPMAN President Abubakar Shettima said.
“This price reduction will gladden the hearts of Nigerians. If the masses are happy, we are happy.”
Industry Reactions Mixed
While IPMAN expressed support, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) described the initiative as a “Greek gift” and accused Dangote of trying to suppress competition. DAPPMAN also claimed the refinery sells fuel to international buyers at prices lower than those offered locally.
Dangote dismissed the allegations, suggesting that vested interests were behind recent union criticism. The company also accused major CNG supplier NIPCO of deliberately hiking gas prices to undermine its truck rollout – a claim NIPCO declined to comment on.
Economic Impact
Dangote stated that the direct-distribution programme is designed to benefit over 42 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering energy costs and boosting profitability.
The refinery said it has already created over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs, built roads, improved power supply, and invested in water infrastructure. It also continues to train thousands of Nigerian engineers and technicians, positioning itself as a centre for skills transfer and technological advancement.
The company has committed more than ₦720 billion to the distribution programme and called on fuel station operators, telcos, and large-scale consumers to partner with it for maximum impact.
