The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has identified gantry loading as a major driver of cheaper fuel (gasoline) prices in Nigeria, saying the evacuation method significantly cuts logistics costs and improves supply efficiency across the downstream market.
In a press statement, the refinery explained that its gantry-based distribution system eliminates several cost layers associated with coastal transportation, helping to stabilise pump prices in a fully deregulated fuel market.
High-capacity gantry boosts fuel distribution
According to the refinery, Dangote operates a world-class gantry loading facility with 91 loading bays, capable of loading up to 2,900 tankers daily through 24-hour operations. At optimal performance, the gantry can evacuate over 50 million litres of fuel (PMS) and 14 million litres of diesel each day volumes that align with Nigeria’s average daily consumption.
By moving fuel directly from the refinery to inland distribution channels, gantry loading shortens delivery timelines, reduces congestion and ensures more predictable product flow to depots and filling stations nationwide.
The refinery stressed that gantry loading remains the most cost-effective evacuation option, as it removes port charges, maritime levies and vessel-related costs that ultimately raise fuel prices for consumers.
Coastal logistics inflate pump prices
Dangote Refinery warned that heavy reliance on coastal logistics could push fuel prices significantly higher. According to the company, coastal evacuation can add about ₦75 per litre to petrol costs due to shipping, port handling and marine charges.
If these costs are transferred to consumers, fuel pump prices could approach ₦1,000 per litre, especially during periods of tight supply. On an annual basis, meeting Nigeria’s daily demand of about 50 million litres of PMS and 14 million litres of diesel through coastal logistics could impose an additional ₦1.752 trillion cost on the economy.
While marketers are free to choose between gantry and coastal loading, the refinery noted that gantry evacuation offers a clearer path to price moderation and market stability.
Lower prices, stronger naira
The refinery linked recent fuel price declines to efficient local refining supported by gantry loading. It said diesel prices have fallen from about ₦1,700 per litre to between ₦980 and ₦990, while fuel (PMS) has dropped from around ₦1,250 to between ₦839 and ₦900 per litre.
Beyond pricing, Dangote said gantry-led distribution reduces reliance on imported fuel, eases pressure on foreign exchange demand and supports naira stability.
The company maintained that expanding gantry loading remains critical to sustaining affordable fuel prices, strengthening domestic supply chains and ensuring long-term efficiency in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.