Dangote Refinery’s direct petrol rollout has left private depots deserted, reshaping Nigeria’s fuel market dynamics.
Private depots in Lagos and surrounding areas were deserted yesterday following the rollout of direct petrol supplies by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Checks by Vanguard revealed that depot operators, anticipating benefits from direct allocation, have recorded skeletal operations.
A source said: “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced direct supplies to marketers. This is mainly why the depots have recorded skeletal operations.”
Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, added: “The downstream petroleum sector is currently destabilized as the new market leader (Dangote) is calling the shots. The 1,000 trucks roll out on Monday have heightened tensions among depot owners and retailers causing a sharp decline in purchases.”
Speaking at the refinery’s one-year petrol anniversary, Aliko Dangote said the project was built to secure Nigeria’s energy future. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he stated.