Dangote Refinery Accuses Oil Sector Groups Of Sabotaging Fuel Distribution Plan

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused some players in the oil and gas industry of trying to frustrate its plan to use compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution across Nigeria.

In a statement published on Sunday, the refinery said recent criticisms and threats from unions and associations were not about genuine labour concerns but a coordinated attempt to derail its operations. The company described the campaign as economic sabotage by vested interests who view its progress as a threat.

The refinery had earlier announced that it would begin free direct supply of petrol on September 15, a move that immediately drew backlash. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) dismissed it as a “Greek gift,” while the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) argued that the supposed free delivery was misleading since marketers must still lift at least 25 percent of allocations from the refinery gantry.

Dangote, however, dismissed DAPPMAN’s position as a face-saving move, accusing the group of deflecting from past controversies, including the importation of adulterated petrol in 2022 that damaged thousands of engines. The refinery also questioned the integrity of product certification for imported petroleum, calling for an independent forensic audit to expose irregularities in quality checks and consumption data.

On claims that its supply covers only 35 percent of national demand, Dangote said the absence of transparent and independently audited figures makes such assertions unreliable. It added that proper quota allocation under the Petroleum Industry Act is not being followed.

The refinery also rejected comparisons between petrol prices in Nigeria and Togo, pointing out that pump prices in Lomé average N1,826 per litre, much higher than in Nigeria.

According to the company, the resistance it faces stems from import-dependent groups unwilling to accept reforms that could reposition Nigeria as a key supplier of affordable fuel in West Africa.

The refinery maintained that it remains committed to rolling out its CNG-powered trucks and expanding distribution despite what it described as desperate efforts to stall its operations.