Dangote Rolls Out 1,000 CNG Trucks to Slash Fuel Prices, IPMAN Mobilises Marketers Across Nigeria
In a major move set to reshape Nigeria’s fuel market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Monday deployed over 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to kick-start its long-planned direct fuel distribution scheme. The launch coincides with the refinery’s first anniversary of petrol production and is designed to deliver cheaper petrol directly to filling stations nationwide. According to refinery officials, the roll-out marks the first phase of a logistics-free distribution system aimed at cutting transport costs and easing pump prices for millions of consumers.
The initiative had faced months of delays after 4,000 CNG trucks ordered from China were held up by shipping bottlenecks. A senior Dangote Group executive told The PUNCH that over 1,000 trucks had finally arrived in Lagos by the end of August, with “hundreds more” landing weekly. “We are ramping up as shipments arrive,” the official said, adding that the full fleet of 10,000 trucks is expected on the roads before the end of the year.
Starting this week, the refinery will cut its gantry price of petrol to N820 per litre, a move expected to lower pump prices in key states. Lagos and other South-West states will retail at around N841 per litre, while Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Kwara states will see prices near N851 per litre. Dangote says the shift to CNG-powered transportation could save Nigeria over N1.8 trillion annually, reduce inflationary pressures, and revive dormant filling stations nationwide.
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President Abubakar Shettima confirmed that many members have registered online for direct deliveries and are “on standby” to receive the first batch of trucks. He welcomed the price cuts as “a win for the masses” and promised marketers’ full cooperation. However, not everyone is convinced. The Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) dismissed the price slash as a “Greek gift” and accused the refinery of undercutting local buyers while selling petrol cheaper to international traders.
Despite the criticism, Dangote insists the roll-out will bring stability, create jobs, and cut import dependence. The group says its operations have already generated over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs, boosted local infrastructure, and provided skills training to Nigerian engineers. With a planned investment of N720 billion into the programme, Dangote projects that more than 42 million micro, small, and medium enterprises will benefit from lower energy costs and improved profit margins. The company is calling on fuel station operators, telecom firms, and large-scale fuel consumers to partner in what it calls a transformative step for Nigeria’s energy economy.
source: punch