The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revealed plans for a start of a nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) starting from August 15.
This is coming as fears of fuel scarcity heightened in Lagos and other parts of the country following the controversy surrounding the E-Call Up system of the Lagos State Government.
The tanker drivers and fuel marketers in Lagos State said on Sunday that they would stop loading petroleum products from today, saying they could not afford to pay N12,500 per truck for the E-Call Up system, especially on the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
In response, the Lagos State Government said there was no going back in the implementation of the E-Call Up system on Monday, accusing the unions of collecting up to N41,000 from drivers without any service.
Amid the brawl, the Dangote refinery, in a statement on Sunday, said the company would deploy 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers to boost delivery capacity and improve access to fuel across the country.
The offer, it disclosed, would be open to marketers, petrol station dealers, manufacturers, telecom operators, aviation firms, and other large-scale fuel users. The firm also announced plans to support distribution through the establishment of daughter booster CNG stations and a dedicated fleet of over 100 gas-powered tankers.
It noted that the logistics support, including free product delivery, was designed to eliminate distribution bottlenecks and bring down operational costs in key sectors of the economy.
“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development,” the company said.
Recall that the President of the Dangote Group and Founder of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, once said there would be an announcement of what he called a major ‘shakedown’ in the entire country.
The initiative, which includes a credit scheme for bulk buyers of 500,000 litres and above, is expected to revitalise dormant filling stations, reduce inflationary pressure, stimulate small businesses, and support the President Bola Tinubu administration’s economic reform drive.
Dangote’s plan to distribute fuel itself could negatively impact the projected revenue at the parks built for truck drivers under the E-Call Up system.
