The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced the suspension of all self-collection gantry sales, directing marketers to adopt its Free Delivery Scheme.
This was disclosed in an internal mail obtained by our correspondent on Friday, signed by the company’s Group Commercial Operations Department.
The directive, effective from September 18, 2025, halts sales to unregistered marketers, whether they purchase directly from the refinery’s depot or through intermediaries.
“Effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold. Any payment made after this date will not be honoured,” the mail read in part.
The company clarified that the move is an operational adjustment aimed at improving efficiency in fuel distribution.
It encouraged marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which it said guarantees direct shipment to retail outlets.
“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the communication stated, while also apologising for any inconveniences the suspension may cause.
The decision comes amid ongoing disputes between the refinery, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
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While DAPPMAN has criticised the delivery scheme as anti-competitive, alleging that marketers are compelled to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates, NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers despite government intervention.
In response, the refinery has maintained that its free delivery initiative is designed to stabilise supply and reduce diversion, accusing marketers of attempting to introduce hidden subsidies into the system.
The standoff has raised concerns over fuel pricing, competition, and labour relations in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, with independent marketers and retail owners who have not registered for the scheme likely to be most affected.
On Thursday, the company reaffirmed its position in a statement shared on its official X account, stressing that it would not absorb logistics costs that marketers want passed on. Titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand”, the statement underscored Dangote’s insistence on defending its business model against what it called “misleading reports.”
With fuel prices and distribution logistics already under public scrutiny, industry watchers say the latest face-off could further shape the dynamics of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector in the coming weeks.