Apparatus (1, 1') for axial centring of a rod-like article (4, 4') or a group (30) of rod-like articles wherein the rod-like article (4, 4') or the group (30) of rod-like articles is conveyed in a flute (3) situated on the circumference of a drum conveyor (2), whereas the length of the article (4, 4') or the total length of articles in the group (30) may vary, provided with pusher elements (5) acting on the rod-like article (4, 4') or the group (30) of rod-like articles, characterised in that the pusher elements (5) of a shifting mechanism (13) are driven by a common driving unit (24, 24') and are connected in such a way that the force exerted by the driving unit (24, 24') is distributed to the pusher elements (5) acting axially on the rod-like article (4, 4') or the group (30) of rod-like articles. The object of the application is also a method of axial centring of the rod-like article (4) or the group (30) of rod-like articles wherein the rod-like article (4, 4') or the group (30) of rod-like articles is co