Plans by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to begin free distribution of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel across the country from August 15, 2025, have continued to receive commendations.
Analysts believe that this initiative will bring down inflation in the country to a considerable level and create massive job opportunities for citizens.
Over the weekend, the private crude oil refiner said it would offer free logistics to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and other large-scale users across the country in a bid to reduce cost of the products.
The company intends to achieve this goal through the 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers it recently acquired for the fuel distribution.
Commenting on the initiative, a university lecturer and public affairs analyst, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, said if properly implemented, the policy could significantly weaken the grip of middlemen within the oil supply chain.
He pointed out that these intermediaries, including tanker drivers, have, in the past, held the nation to ransom, and the new policy could enable the Dangote Refinery to overcome this longstanding challenge.
However, he emphasised that Nigerians will primarily judge the policy based on its impact on fuel prices and its effect on inflation.
“It will break the monopoly of powerful middlemen, including tanker drivers, who have in the past even held the NNPCL and others to ransom. However, what Nigerians care most about is how it affects them.
“Let’s wait and see its impact at the pump. If it leads to a decrease in pump prices, it will also help reduce inflation since fuel prices and the exchange rate are two major drivers of inflation in Nigeria,” he said.
Another analyst, Ms Ibukun Phillips, described the move as a “revolution” that would reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape and redefine energy accessibility across the country.
“The benefits are enormous. Logistics account for between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of fuel costs, so removing this burden will naturally lead to a drop in pump prices.
“Moreover, it will ensure that rural and underserved communities have better access to petroleum products.
“Many Nigerians are unaware that rural dwellers often pay more for fuel than those in urban areas, despite earning significantly less. This initiative could revive moribund filling stations in these communities and offer wide-reaching benefits,” she explained.
She also noted that the project will generate employment, with at least 8,000 drivers expected to be recruited by the Dangote Refinery to launch the initiative.