Dangote Refineries Begins Fuel Distribution Nationwide Amid Tanker Crisis
Dangote Refineries Begins Fuel Distribution Nationwide Amid Tanker Crisis
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has unveiled plans to commence the nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from August 15.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over potential fuel scarcity in Lagos and other parts of the country, triggered by the ongoing controversy surrounding the Lagos State Government’s E-Call Up system.
The tanker drivers and fuel marketers in Lagos State said on Sunday that they would stop loading petroleum products from today, saying they could not afford to pay N12,500 per truck for the E-Call Up system, especially on the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
In response, the Lagos State Government said there was no going back in the implementation of the E-Call Up system on Monday, accusing the unions of collecting up to N41,000 from drivers without any service.
Amid the brawl, the Dangote refinery, in a statement on Sunday, said the company would deploy 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers to boost delivery capacity and improve access to fuel across the country.
The offer, it disclosed, would be open to marketers, petrol station dealers, manufacturers, telecom operators, aviation firms, and other large-scale fuel users. The firm also announced plans to support distribution through the establishment of daughter booster CNG stations and a dedicated fleet of over 100 gas-powered tankers.
It noted that the logistics support, including free product delivery, was designed to eliminate distribution bottlenecks and bring down operational costs in key sectors of the economy.
“This strategic initiative reflects our broader commitment to reducing logistics costs, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and driving Nigeria’s economic growth,” the company stated.
It will be recalled that Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group and Founder of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, had previously hinted at a significant “shakedown” across the country.
The distribution rollout includes a credit scheme targeted at bulk buyers purchasing 500,000 litres and above. The initiative is expected to reactivate dormant filling stations, ease inflationary pressures, boost small businesses, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reform agenda.
However, Dangote’s direct fuel distribution strategy could pose a threat to the projected revenues of the truck parks operating under the Lagos State Government’s E-Call Up system.
