The Dangote Refinery is preparing to launch direct fuel distribution across Nigeria using 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, a move expected to cut costs and lower pump prices.
Abubakar Maigandi, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that the trucks are currently undergoing numbering and are likely to begin operations within the coming week.
The refinery had initially scheduled August 15, 2025, as the start date for dispatching fuel directly to major consumers, including telecom firms and bulk buyers. However, logistical delays pushed back the rollout.
Maigandi reassured Nigerians that the short wait should not trigger concern, stressing that direct distribution from the refinery will help bypass middlemen and reduce fuel prices. “Once the numbering process is complete, the trucks will hit the roads, and consumers will begin to feel the impact,” he said.
The company has invested about N720 billion in acquiring the trucks, which form part of its alignment with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative. According to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the fleet—imported through Apapa Port—represents a major investment aimed at boosting efficiency and cutting transportation costs in the downstream sector.
The refinery noted that its new model of direct-to-market fuel supply will improve availability, ease bottlenecks in logistics, and enhance transparency in the petroleum value chain. The initiative is also expected to benefit over 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide by reducing energy costs and improving profitability.
Beyond lowering costs for consumers, the use of CNG-powered trucks signals a step toward sustainability by reducing emissions and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Industry observers say the programme could save the refinery over N1 trillion annually in logistics expenses, while also supporting national economic growth by easing inflationary pressures and strengthening energy security.
With the first batch of trucks ready to roll out, Nigerians may soon see fuel prices stabilize as distribution becomes more efficient under the new system.
