The Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to begin fuel distribution with 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks has been slowed down by shipping delays from China.

Instead of the full fleet, only 450 trucks have arrived in Lagos so far. Another 150 are expected next week, bringing the total to 600. The distribution exercise was originally set to begin on August 15.

A senior official of the company explained that the delay was due to a shortage of ships to transport the trucks. The first batch of 200 trucks arrived earlier, followed by 250 more, while 150 are scheduled to land in the coming days.

Despite the setback, the refinery expects about 60 shiploads of trucks to arrive within the next six weeks. The $20bn project, which cost over N720bn for the trucks alone, is projected to save Nigerians more than N1.7tn annually in fuel distribution costs, create over 15,000 jobs, and help reduce smuggling across borders.

Earlier, the plan to deliver fuel directly to end users raised concerns among tanker drivers and oil suppliers, who feared losing their livelihoods. The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) had warned of possible scarcity and disruption if the existing supply chain was bypassed.

Following meetings with stakeholders, Dangote agreed to sell fuel to bulk buyers rather than directly to filling stations and large consumers. NOGASA confirmed the compromise, saying their concerns about job losses and supply chain collapse had been resolved.

While the shipping delay has shifted the timeline, Dangote says the fuel distribution scheme remains on course and will gradually expand as more trucks arrive.