By Abdullahi Lukman
The Dangote Refinery is set to begin nationwide fuel distribution using 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, aiming to lower pump prices and improve fuel availability across Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday , Abubakar Maigandi, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that the refinery has started numbering the trucks and is expected to commence distribution within a week.
The direct-to-market supply strategy, originally scheduled to launch on August 15, faced a slight delay but is now moving forward.
Maigandi urged Nigerians not to panic over the delay, assuring that the distribution model will eliminate middlemen, reduce transportation costs, and make fuel more affordable.
He added that the recent acquisition of the CNG-powered fleet, worth N720 billion, supports the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas policy.
In a statement, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals highlighted that the imported tankers represent a major investment aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s fuel distribution system.
The refinery expects to absorb more than N1.07 trillion annually in logistics costs, benefiting over 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering energy expenses and improving profitability.
The company emphasized that this innovative distribution approach will enhance energy security, increase operational efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability.
It also noted that work with regulatory agencies is ongoing to ensure a smooth rollout of the CNG-powered trucks.
As the world’s largest single-train refinery, Dangote continues to expand its operational reach, positioning itself as a key driver of transformation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
