Dangote Refinery Postpones Nationwide Fuel Supply: IPMAN Explains Delay, Assures Cheaper Pump Prices
- Dangote Refinery has shifted its much-anticipated fuel distribution date after logistics delays, according to IPMAN
- The 650,000 bpd-capacity refinery had announced that it will commence nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel on August 15, 2025
- The IPMAN national publicity president, Abubakar Maigandi, asked marketers to be patient as the distribution will begin soon
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
Dangote Refinery has postponed its planned nationwide fuel distribution, initially scheduled for August 15, 2025.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said the delay was due to ongoing truck numbering and registrations, stressing that the refinery would begin operations in a matter of days.
Source: Getty Images
Why distribution was delayed
IPMAN’s national President, Abubakar Maigandi, said that the mega refinery could not commence the direct supply of petrol and diesel to end-users on Friday, August 15, 2025, as was earlier announced.
The IPMAN boss said the refinery was still expecting more trucks to meet logistics demand.
Maigaindi confirmed this after speaking with the Dangote Refinery management, saying that the plant is currently numbering the trucks, and once the process is completed, they will commence the distribution.
A prior Legit.ng report revealed that IPMAN members have registered to participate in the planned nationwide fuel distribution by the refinery.
Cheaper fuel loading expected
He asked marketers and consumers to be patient, assuring Nigerians that the distribution will slash pump prices by eliminating middlemen and unnecessary logistics expenses.
“The refinery’s direct-to-market strategy is designed to ease transportation costs and make fuel more affordable for consumers,” he explained.
He also disclosed that Dangote Refinery’s acquisition of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks worth N720 billion is part of a larger objective to support the Nigerian government’s Decade of Gas policy, as it makes product delivery more efficient.
4,000 CNG trucks for logistics
According to a report by Petroleumpriceng, despite IPMAN’s optimism, some industry players, such as the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have kicked against the plan.
They say the plan will lead to job losses in the downstream petroleum sector, a claim Dangote Refinery has refuted.
Source: Getty Images
Industry is divided over the impact
However, some energy analysts have expressed divergent opinions regarding the distribution plan.
While some hailed the move as revolutionary, others say it reeks of plans to exert market control.
“NOGASA’s object is that the plan will lead to job cuts. However, on the flip side, it may lead to more jobs. Imagine employing 4,000 drivers and motor boys for the trucks. We are looking at close to 10,000 new jobs,” Adeola Yusuf, energy policy analyst, said.
Financial analyst Osas Igho slightly disagreed with Yusuf, stating that the move will sound the death knell on jobs previously held by NOGASA members and logistics companies.
“I understand NOGASA’s perspective. Right now, Dangote controls 60% of the fuel market in Nigeria. Rolling out this plan will hand the entire market over to him. This may result in a one-man show,” he said.
IPMAN urges patience
Meanwhile, the IPMAN boss has asked marketers to relax as the temporary delay is strictly operational.
“We are looking at a matter of days, not weeks. Once the trucks are ready, fuel distribution from Dangote will commence,” he assured.
Nigerians are eagerly expecting the much-publicised distribution to ease fuel prices.
Dangote Refinery adds 15 new fuel distribution partners
Legit.ng earlier reported that Dangote Refinery has said that many oil marketing companies have joined its growing list of fuel distribution networks.
The refinery disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the companies include TotalEnergies, Garima Petroleum, Sunbeth Energies, Sobax Nigeria Limited, and Virgin Forest Energy.
Others are Sixxco Oil Ltd., NU Synergy, and Soroman Limited.
Source: Legit.ng
