The much-anticipated rollout of fuel distribution by the Dangote Refinery has failed to commence, despite the company’s promise to start operations on August 15, 2025. Nearly two weeks after the deadline, the refinery has yet to issue an official statement regarding the delay, leaving many Nigerians and industry stakeholders in uncertainty.

Back in June, the refinery announced plans to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel, an initiative projected to save Nigerians about ₦45 per litre in logistics costs. The scheme, according to Dangote, would amount to ₦1.2 trillion in annual savings for consumers.

However, the plan has stalled. While reports confirm that the company has already received over 1,000 CNG trucks, the distribution has not started, and the refinery has remained tight-lipped on the reasons for the delay.

Mixed Reactions from Marketers

The move has drawn divided opinions from key players in the oil and gas sector.

Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), praised Dangote’s efforts but dismissed the claim that it would lower fuel prices. He argued that Dangote’s similar intervention in the cement industry did not reduce costs, warning that full control of production, storage, and distribution by a single company could create monopolistic tendencies.

On the other hand, Abubakar Maigandi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed optimism. He believes that once the scheme begins, Nigerians will see a drop in fuel prices since Dangote has pledged to eliminate transportation charges from pump prices.

Nigerians Still Paying High at the Pump

As of Monday evening, petrol prices in Abuja hovered between ₦885 and ₦910 per litre, while international crude oil traded at $68.47 (Brent) and $64.47 (WTI).

With Nigerians hoping for relief at the filling stations, all eyes remain on Aliko Dangote’s refinery to deliver on its promises. For now, the silence from the $20 billion plant has only fueled speculation about what’s holding back the project.