Tanker drivers and fuel suppliers warn of looming unemployment. “Some of the marketers may need to park their trucks,” an analyst said.
With less than a month to the rollout of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery, stakeholders are aligning with the firm’s plan to distribute fuel directly to marketers and key sectors.
Sunday PUNCH reports that 25 marketers have signed up, up from three, signaling growing support.
However, the development has stirred panic among tanker drivers and independent depot operators over potential job losses and redundancy. “Yes, more marketers are now registering,” a Dangote official confirmed.
National IPMAN spokesman Chinedu Ukadike said, “We don’t have any other alternative… we are ready to collaborate with Dangote.”
But tanker drivers and fuel suppliers warn of looming unemployment. “Some of the marketers may need to park their trucks,” an analyst said. NARTO President Yusuf Othman acknowledged stakeholder consultations were ongoing.
PETROAN President Billy-Gillis Harry urged caution, warning against a “Greek gift” that could eventually lead to inflated fuel prices. “It has happened in flour, sugar, cement… petroleum may follow,” he said.
The 650,000 bpd refinery began operations in early 2024, gradually scaling to 85% capacity.
As Dangote’s dominance grows, calls for more refineries and regulatory oversight are intensifying to avert market monopoly and protect existing jobs.