Dangote Refinery Deploys Over 1,000 CNG Trucks in Bold Energy Transition Drive
The Dangote Refinery has begun rolling out over 1,000 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, marking one of the most significant transitions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum logistics sector.
The trucks, which have already been dispatched to the refinery’s gantry for fuel loading, represent the company’s commitment to not only modernising its fleet but also leading the charge towards cleaner, safer, and more sustainable fuel distribution systems.
A Swift Transition
According to Anthony Chiejina, Group Spokesman for Dangote Industries, the decision to replace old fuel trucks with CNG-powered vehicles was taken less than a year ago, but execution has been swift.
“In one year, we have transitioned to CNG. Some of the old trucks are not even qualified in terms of safety. When you see the CNG trucks, the difference is clear. We have more than a thousand of them here; about 500 are at the port. The rest are coming. By the end of the month, we will have all the CNG trucks here. That’s a big transformation; within one year we were able to transit from old to new,” Chiejina said.
Overcoming Logistical Delays
The rollout had been initially slated for August 15, but shipping bottlenecks from China delayed the arrival of the trucks. Dangote Group had placed an order for 4,000 CNG trucks from Chinese manufacturers, but global vessel shortages meant shipments were staggered.
Despite these challenges, Dangote has now deployed more than 1,000 trucks, with another 500 docked at the Lagos port awaiting clearance. Industry insiders say this transition is not only about efficiency but also about safety standards, with the new trucks designed to minimise risks commonly associated with fuel distribution.
A Step Toward Sustainability
The move is widely seen as part of the company’s broader green energy strategy, dovetailing with Nigeria’s national push to embrace natural gas as a transition fuel. By switching to CNG-powered trucks, Dangote Refinery is reducing its carbon footprint, cutting dependence on diesel, and setting an example for other downstream operators.
The deployment also strengthens the company’s direct-to-station supply strategy, allowing the refinery to directly supply fuel to retail outlets across Nigeria with minimal bottlenecks.
