The Dangote Refinery has started delivering fuel free of charge to independent marketers across parts of Nigeria, a move expected to reduce pump prices and ease distribution costs.

According to the president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Shettima, fuel marketers in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and other South-West states have already begun receiving products without transport charges.

“Dangote has started the free delivery. Trucks are already moving and discharging products in many parts of the Western Zone. My members are very pleased with the development,” Shettima confirmed.

Earlier in the week, the refinery deployed over 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, part of a 4,000-vehicle order from China, to cut transportation costs. The full fleet is expected to arrive in Nigeria before October after earlier shipping delays.

Shettima explained that only registered marketers can benefit from the logistics-free supply, though registration is open online for any interested parties.

The initiative is already driving a drop in prices. Pump prices, which had been as high as ₦865 per litre, are expected to fall to about ₦841 as the refinery’s direct supply expands. Some filling stations, including MRS, have already reduced their prices to reflect the deliveries.

Industry observers say Dangote’s move to bypass middlemen and cover transportation costs could bring much-needed relief to Nigerians who have faced steep fuel prices since subsidy removal in 2023.