The much-anticipated fuel distribution scheme of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to begin soon, following the arrival of 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks in Nigeria.

The trucks, part of a 4,000-unit fleet ordered from China, will enable the refinery to start direct distribution of fuel to marketers in Lagos, Ogun, and other states in the South-West. The remaining 3,000 trucks are expected in batches before the end of September.

Officials at the $20bn Lekki-based refinery, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the logistics delays which initially stalled the exercise were due to a shortage of shipping vessels from China. As a result, the planned August 15 rollout could not proceed.

“There are not enough ships coming from China to move 4,000 trucks and tankers at once,” a senior executive said.