The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.
LensNews confirmed that the directive, contained in an internal correspondence signed by the Group Commercial Operations Department, instructed marketers to stop payments tied to self-collection, warning that any payment made after the effective date would be rejected.
According to the company, the decision is aimed at strengthening adoption of its Free Delivery Scheme, which delivers fuel directly to retail outlets. Dangote explained that the move was an operational adjustment to improve efficiency and eliminate sales to unregistered marketers, whether directly or indirectly through registered dealers.
“All self-collection gantry sales are on hold until further notice,” the letter stated. “We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational.”
The refinery apologised for any inconvenience the suspension might cause, assuring partners that the delivery scheme will ensure seamless supply.
The move comes amid ongoing disputes between the refinery and key industry stakeholders. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the refinery of resisting unionisation of its truck drivers despite a government-brokered agreement. Similarly, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has criticised the free delivery model, alleging that marketers are forced to depend on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.
Dangote, however, maintains that the scheme is designed to cut costs, prevent diversion, and stabilise the downstream petroleum market. The suspension is expected to impact independent marketers and retail operators who previously relied on direct self-collection at the refinery.
