Dangote Refinery’s Direct Sales Plan Sparks Oil Marketers’ Fury

Association Warns of Mass Layoffs, Economic Fallout

Nigeria’s fuel distribution sector is bracing for turmoil as the Natural Oil & Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA) declared war on Dangote Refinery’s audacious plan to sideline traditional dealers. The refinery’s August 15 rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered tankers—aimed at delivering petrol and diesel straight to mega-consumers like MTN, hotels, and airlines—has triggered fears of an industry earthquake.

“Our Members Will Become Obsolete” – NOGASA Chief

Benneth Korie, NOGASA’s president, minced no words: “Dangote’s end-run around suppliers will erase thousands of jobs overnight.” The group warns that truckers, depot workers, and logistics staff face redundancy if the refinery executes its direct-sales model. With over 90% of Nigeria’s fuel historically moving through middlemen, the shift threatens to collapse a decades-old supply chain.

Showdown Looms: July 31 Strike Decision

NOGASA has called an emergency meeting in Abuja to weigh drastic countermeasures, including a nationwide supply halt. Their demand? Dangote must revert to the old model—selling bulk fuel to distributors, not end users. “We’ll fight to preserve this ecosystem,” Korie vowed, framing the battle as existential for small businesses.

Dangote’s Gambit: Efficiency or Monopoly?

While the refinery touts its CNG fleet as a cost-cutting breakthrough, critics see a power grab. By controlling distribution, Dangote could dominate pricing—a prospect that rattles regulators already grappling with fuel scarcity. NOGASA’s plea to stakeholders: “Don’t let one player rewrite the rules.”

The Stakes: If suppliers strike, fuel queues could return within weeks. But if Dangote prevails, Nigeria’s oil sector may never look the same.