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Dangote refinery suspends self-collection gantry sales.
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Free delivery scheme becomes mandatory for marketers.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products, directing marketers to rely instead on its free delivery scheme. The change took effect Thursday, September 18, 2025, and was communicated in a circular to partners, according to correspondence reviewed by reporters.
Dangote refinery suspends self-collection sales
The refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department said the move was meant to promote adoption of the Free Delivery Scheme, which delivers fuel directly to retail outlets. Payments made for self-collection after the effective date would not be honored, the company warned.
“All self-collection gantry sales are on hold until further notice,” the letter stated. “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 honored.”
Dangote assured customers that the Free Delivery Scheme remains operational for both existing and new marketers. The company described the decision as an operational adjustment aimed at improving efficiency, while apologizing for disruptions it might cause.
Dispute with DAPPMAN and NUPENG grows
The halt in gantry sales comes as the refinery faces growing disputes with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting unionization of its truck drivers despite a government-brokered agreement. DAPPMAN has opposed the free delivery scheme, alleging that marketers are forced to depend on Dangote’s trucks at commercial rates.
According to Punch, Dangote insists the program stabilizes supply and reduces costs, accusing marketers of seeking subsidies and enabling fuel diversion. The company recently rejected what it described as DAPPMAN’s demand for a ₦1.505 trillion subsidy to cover logistics costs.
Independent marketers and retail station owners who have not registered for the scheme are expected to be most affected by the suspension. DAPPMAN argues that transporting products from the Lagos-based refinery to depots nationwide involves significant expenses, including coastal shipping.
In a statement on its official X account, Dangote said it stood by its earlier comments, stressing that it would not absorb logistics costs passed on by marketers. The company emphasized that it reserves the right to defend its operations from what it considers misleading reports.
The standoff has raised new concerns over fuel pricing, distribution, and competition in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
