The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has attributed the delay in Dangote Refinery’s nationwide fuel distribution to the ongoing numbering and registration of trucks.
Speaking with newsmen, IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, said the refinery could not begin direct supply of petrol and diesel as earlier announced on Friday, August 15, because it is still awaiting additional trucks to meet logistics requirements.
“I spoke with the management. They are currently numbering the trucks. Once that process is completed, in about a week, they will start the distribution,” Maigandi stated.
Cheaper fuel expected once distribution begins
According to Maigandi, the short delay should not cause panic. He assured Nigerians that the direct distribution system will cut pump prices by eliminating middlemen and unnecessary logistics costs.
“The refinery’s direct-to-market strategy is designed to ease transportation costs and make fuel more affordable for consumers,” he explained.
Truck expansion aligns with clean energy drive
Maigandi also pointed to Dangote Refinery’s recent acquisition of CNG-powered trucks worth N720 billion, saying the fleet expansion is part of a bigger plan to support the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas policy while making product delivery more efficient.
Opposition voices concerns
Although IPMAN is optimistic, some industry players, including the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have expressed fears that the direct-distribution model may cause job losses across the downstream sector.
IPMAN urges patience
Maigandi maintained that the temporary delay is strictly operational and urged Nigerians to be patient.
“We are looking at a matter of days, not weeks. Once the trucks are ready, fuel distribution from Dangote will commence,” he assured.