The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced the suspension of self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025, in a move aimed at tightening distribution control and cutting off unregistered marketers.
In an internal memo obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department directed all marketing partners to immediately stop making payments for self-collection orders. The company clarified that only its official Free Delivery Scheme would remain operational going forward.
“We wish to inform you that, effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice,” the statement read.
“In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold until further notice. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”
The refinery explained that the decision was a strategic operational adjustment designed to enhance efficiency, standardise logistics, and prevent the diversion of products through unregistered or third-party marketers.
Management further encouraged all active and newly onboarded customers to enrol in its Direct Petroleum Retail Partners (DPRP) Free Delivery Scheme, assuring them that the system remains “fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience” directly to fuel stations nationwide.
While apologising for any disruptions the new policy may cause, the refinery emphasised that the change was necessary to ensure fair access and streamline its operations.
Tensions with Industry Unions and Marketers
The decision comes amid ongoing disputes involving the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers despite a government-brokered agreement, while DAPPMAN has criticised the free delivery model, claiming it forces marketers to rely on Dangote Group’s fleet at commercial rates.
In response, the refinery has maintained that its delivery model is designed to stabilise product supply and reduce costs, while accusing marketers of seeking hidden subsidies and enabling product diversion.
On Thursday, September 18, the refinery reiterated its stance in a statement on its official X account titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand.” The statement, signed by management, stressed that the company would not absorb logistics costs that marketers are attempting to pass off as subsidies.
Implications for the Market
Industry analysts say the halt of gantry self-collection could significantly impact independent marketers and station owners who have not registered under the Free Delivery Scheme.
DAPPMAN, whose members control most privately operated depots in Nigeria, has argued that transporting petroleum products from Lagos to other regions requires substantial logistics and coastal shipping costs, which the free delivery model does not fully account for.
With fuel pricing and distribution already under public scrutiny, the latest escalation between the refinery and DAPPMAN has raised fears of potential disruptions and price volatility in the downstream sector.
