Dangote's Petrol Supply: Nigerians Express Mixed Feelings As NNPCL Deploys Hundreds of Trucks To Dangote Refinery’s Fuel Loading Gantry

By: AbdulWasiu Akintunde, Olufemi Orunsola 

Following reports that the Dangote Refinery will commence supply of premium motor spirit, popularly known as petrol, effective from Sunday, September 15, 2024, Nigerians are expressing mixed feelings as the National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reportedly deployed over 100 trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the NNPCL made it known via its facebook page on Saturday afternoon that the scheduled date for the commencement of supply of Dangote's petrol remains Sunday, September 15, 2024.

The post read in part, “In preparation for the Dangote Refinery’s scheduled petrol loading on Sunday, September 15, 2024, NNPC Ltd. has been mobilizing trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki.

It further reads that “As of Saturday afternoon, NNPC Ltd. had deployed over 100 trucks, with hundreds more en route”.

In response to the developments surrounding the Dangote Refinery and the deployment of over 100 trucks by the NNPCL, public reactions have been mixed, with citizens voicing their opinions on social media.

OTN News however reports that the news of the development is been greeted with mixed reactions and feelings among the cross section of Nigerians many of whom have taken to the social media to express their concerns about whether the new development will ultimately translate to an end to fuel scarcity and fuel price hike currently bedeviling the country.

Meanwhile, OTN News recalls that many experts in the energy and economic sectors have earlier cautioned Nigerians that the commencement of operations at Dangote Refinery may not lead to a significant drop in petrol prices in the country.

According to the experts, the cost of crude oil refining, and other factors will still influence the final price of petroleum products, making it unlikely for prices to drop.

However, the experts emphasized that what Nigerians should expect henceforth, is that for the first time in history, the nation is going to have steady supply of petroleum products, bring an end to long fuel queues and the attendant fuel vigils been observed by Nigerians.

One user, @Mansaah Musa, expressed optimism, stating, "We need to do everything possible to avoid dependency on Dollars. This is what we have been praying for a long time now. Thank you to everyone, including Buhari, Tinubu, Dangote, and NNPC, for making this possible."

However, others voiced their concerns and reservations as @reliableReportz argued that Nigerians need more than promises, stating, "This is not what citizens want to hear, as they've heard similar promises before. What's needed now is transparency on PMS pricing and production costs to show how this initiative will actually lower fuel prices and benefit the public."

Similarly, @RealDaoman emphasized the need for concrete actions. He said, "What Nigerians demand goes beyond rhetoric. They need tangible solutions to the rising cost of PMS. We've heard predictions from experts, but the real issue is how these policies will benefit the masses."

Several users also raised concerns about the role of NNPCL in the process. @aliyu_fulata questioned, "If NNPCL is one of the major competitors with three refineries, why does it still decide the pump price? As the sole dealer for Dangote refinery, something seems off. We want oil marketers to purchase directly from Dangote."

@Eluogu and @Jonehmk echoed similar sentiments, asking why NNPC would act as a middleman. 

@Jonehmk stated, "The national oil company shouldn’t be involved in the buying and selling of PMS. It should be a direct transaction between the refinery and marketers."

On a more hopeful note, @OsonduUkoji welcomed the development but emphasized the importance of affordability, saying, "It's a good move if the cost will be reasonably low for end users, reducing the high cost of living in Nigeria. What ordinary Nigerians need is good Governance that benefits everyone."