Dangote Refutes Viral “Fuel by Bike” Claims Amid Distribution Shake-Up
Atume Terfa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed circulating claims that it delivers fuel using motorcycles, calling the viral “FuelUp” bike delivery video a complete hoax.
The controversy erupted after an 81-second clip went viral on social media, showing a motorcycle rider in red gear with a green droplet logo “pumping” fuel directly into a car. The post encouraged viewers to “Order FuelUp via WhatsApp — Dangote delivers to you, no more queues.”
Dangote quickly responded, stressing that it is “not in any way associated” with the alleged bike-fuel service. The refinery emphasised that all fuel distribution relies on large compressor natural gas-powered tankers, not motorcycles.
Direct-to-Market Strategy Sparks Industry Debate
The incident comes amid Dangote’s ambitious direct-to-market distribution initiative, which has already ruffled feathers in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The refinery recently imported 4,000 CNG-powered trucks to deliver refined products straight to consumers, bypassing traditional intermediaries such as independent marketers.
This approach has drawn criticism from the Natural Oil & Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), which argues that bypassing established distribution channels threatens thousands of jobs, particularly among road transporters and fuel marketers.
Adding to the tensions, Dangote temporarily suspended its discounted fuel sales program after uncovering a “product diversion racket”, where some marketers allegedly resold subsidised fuel intended for partners at inflated prices.
Safety and Scam Concerns
Safety has also emerged as a major concern. Many Nigerians expressed alarm at the idea of transporting petrol on motorcycles, citing the risk of catastrophic accidents given the volatile nature of fuel.
Meanwhile, some social media users have speculated that the viral video may be part of a phishing scam, warning that the “order via WhatsApp” feature could be used to solicit payments or harvest personal information from unsuspecting users.
Dangote’s statement aims to quell rumours while highlighting the refinery’s commitment to a safe, regulated, and transparent fuel distribution system, even as it navigates industry disruptions and public scrutiny.
