The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced it will commence nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from August 15, in a move that could significantly reshape the country’s fuel supply chain.
The company disclosed this on Sunday amid growing fears of fuel scarcity in Lagos and other major cities, triggered by a looming standoff between tanker drivers and the Lagos State Government over a controversial electronic call-up system.
As tension mounts over the new e-Call Up policy, which mandates truckers to pay ₦12,500 per vehicle to access the Lekki-Epe corridor, tanker drivers under the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and fuel marketers say they are halting product loading beginning Monday, pending resolution.
In what appears to be a timely intervention, the Dangote refinery said it would deploy 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers to improve distribution across the country. The refinery also plans to roll out support systems including dedicated booster CNG stations and over 100 gas-powered logistics trucks.
“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development,” the company stated.
The company also introduced a credit scheme targeted at bulk buyers of 500,000 litres and above, which aims to reactivate dormant filling stations and ease inflationary pressures by reducing fuel distribution costs.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement as a potential game-changer, particularly as tensions rise over the Lagos State Government’s insistence on implementing the e-Call Up system, which tanker operators argue is both poorly planned and overpriced.
With fears of disruption looming, all eyes are now on the ability of Dangote’s logistical rollout to stabilise supply and whether Lagos will revise its implementation stance.
