The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has announced plans to hold discussions with Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding its recently unveiled initiative to supply fuel directly to filling stations across Nigeria, beginning August 15, 2025.
Speaking during a webinar on Thursday, MEMAN’s Executive Secretary, Clement Isong, said the association is closely monitoring the development and will seek clarity through engagements with the refinery, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other industry stakeholders.
“At this point, we are watching the market, trying to understand it. We have read it in the news. We need to understand exactly where it impacts and what it impacts before we can have some clarity,” Isong stated.
He stressed that further clarity is needed on key policy questions, including whether the direct distribution plan implies a national equalisation mechanism or uniform pricing across the country.
“It would be irresponsible of us to say anything before being clear as to exactly what it means,” Isong added.
The Dangote Group, on Sunday, disclosed plans to launch a new fuel distribution model using 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks as part of efforts to increase efficiency and reduce emissions in the downstream sector.
Isong welcomed the innovation but noted the challenge of limited infrastructure for CNG implementation. “CNG is a policy of the government. It’s still in implementation. We do not have enough CNG infrastructure in place, so a lot of planning has to be done,” he said.
He commended bold corporate moves that leverage emerging opportunities like CNG, adding that such innovations can ultimately benefit consumers and the environment.
Addressing concerns of potential market dominance and anti-competitive practices, Isong said it is the role of regulators to strike a balance between innovation and fairness.
“We have consistently asked for deregulation and open market competition. Innovation like transportation by CNG is something we have identified and encouraged our members to take advantage of,” he stated.
The Dangote refinery, valued at $20 billion and designed to process 650,000 barrels per day, has in recent months ramped up operations and unveiled several initiatives aimed at disrupting traditional downstream supply chains. The August launch of direct fuel supply is expected to reshape product logistics and pricing across the country.