Private depots in Lagos and environs were deserted yesterday, as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery rolled out its direct petrol supplies.

Private depots were reportedly deserted because the operators expected to benefit from the direct supplies.

A source who pleaded to be anonymous said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced direct supplies to marketers, hence the reason why the depots have recorded skeletal operations.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, said: “The downstream petroleum sector is currently destabilized as the new market leader (Dangote) is calling the shots. The 1, 000 trucks roll out on Monday have heightened tensions among depot owners and retailers causing a sharp decline in purchases.

“For the first time, global oil prices are rising and depot prices are dropping, that is the power of local market forces engineered by Dangote Refinery. By and large, this revolution will drive the industry to embrace best practices and drive prices at the pump.”

Meanwhile, speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Monday, the President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, said the refinery has impacted Nigeria’s energy security.

Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975. However, this issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery began rolling out petrol on September 15, 2024.

Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.