The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun distributing fuel nationwide using its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks starting Monday, September 15, 2025.
Over the weekend, hundreds of Dangote refinery trucks were seen on Nigerian roads, primarily from Lagos’ Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The $20 billion refinery invested N720 billion to import 4,000 CNG trucks, of which around 1,000 have been delivered so far.
Dangote Group expects the initiative to lower retail fuel prices and save Nigeria an estimated N1.7 trillion annually in fuel distribution costs.
The refinery announced new fuel pricing with an ex-depot price of N820 per litre and retail prices ranging from N841 to N851 per litre across different states.
Despite the benefits, the program has created disruption and concerns in Nigeria’s oil downstream sector.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) criticized the refinery’s initiative, labeling it a "Greek gift" to Nigerians.
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) called the free delivery scheme misleading.
Conversely, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) supports the scheme and encourages registration with Dangote Refinery.
However, the rollout is marred by a recent surge in Dangote truck-related accidents, including a fatality involving Big Brother Naija winner Phyna’s sister.
Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics Wumi Iledare views Dangote’s move as bold but cautions about dominance without regulatory checks.
Iledare called for strengthened regulation, enforcement of safety measures, and protection of competition to balance innovation benefits with public safety.