The $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery has initiated the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, to oil marketers nationwide.

Diesel sales, which commenced last week, were confirmed by dealers and plant officials on Tuesday. National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria,

Abubakar Maigandi, stated: “They began pumping diesel to marketers last week. They also pledged to sell aviation fuel soon. Some of my members confirmed this after making purchases.

”Maigandi anticipates a drop in diesel prices due to Dangote’s entry into the market, citing a recent high of about N1,700/litre. “The diesel price will decrease because of Dangote Refinery’s product release. In fact, it’s already declining in Lagos,” Maigandi affirmed.

A senior management official confirmed diesel sales to marketers, adding that Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) would soon follow.Dangote Refinery has faced regulatory hurdles since its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023.

Recall that on February 8, 2024, reports emerged indicating that regulatory approvals delayed Dangote Petrochemical Refinery’s plan to release aviation fuel (Jet A1) and diesel for sale in January.

Despite commencing production, the refinery encountered obstacles with regulatory approvals.On January 12, 2024, Dangote refinery announced the commencement of diesel and aviation fuel (JetA1) production.

Aliko Dangote expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and various regulatory bodies for their support.