Dangote Refinery Cries Foul: Alleges Sabotage In CNG Fuel Truck Operations

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused powerful interests in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector of orchestrating moves to sabotage its operations—particularly its plan to roll out compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.

In a strongly worded advertorial published on Sunday, the refinery alleged that its decision to commence direct petrol supply across the country on September 15 has been met with “deliberate misinformation.”

The initiative, first unveiled on September 11, was dismissed by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) as a “Greek gift.” Days later, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) also rejected the refinery’s promise of free petrol delivery, insisting marketers must lift at least 25% of their allocations directly from the refinery’s gantry.

But Dangote fired back, describing the backlash as a “calculated campaign of economic sabotage,” not genuine unionisation concerns.

“From the outset, it has been evident that certain actors are intent on undermining the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly the planned deployment of CNG-powered trucks for the distribution of fuel—an innovation that has been widely recognised as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy independence,” the statement read.

The refinery further accused DAPPMAN of deflecting attention from its own record, citing the 2022 scandal in which one of its members allegedly imported petrol with over 15% methanol—fuel that damaged thousands of car engines. According to Dangote, no transparent probe was ever carried out.

The company also faulted regulators for failing to release clear consumption data, arguing that claims of the refinery meeting only 35% of national demand were misleading. It challenged comparisons with neighbouring countries, pointing out that petrol sells at about 680 CFA per litre in Lomé, Togo—equivalent to ₦1,826.

Positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s main source of affordable petrol feedstock, Dangote warned that ongoing union disputes were being weaponised as a “cheap ploy” to resist reform.

The refinery remains at loggerheads with unions after NUPENG suspended its strike over alleged anti-union practices on September 9, only to threaten renewed action two days later.