Dangote Refinery has suspended direct sales of petroleum products to marketers from its gantry with effect from Thursday, September 18.
This was disclosed in an email signed by the company’s Group Commercial Operations Department, sent to marketing partners on Friday.
The latest move means marketers can no longer pick up products directly from the refinery’s facility.
In the statement, the refinery informed marketing partners to halt all payments related to active Product Fulfillment Instructions (PFIs) for self-collection, warning that any payments made after September 18 will not be accepted.
“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. 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 mail stated.
“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 decision is part of an operational adjustment aimed at strengthening the refinery’s free delivery scheme and ensuring that sales are only made to registered marketers.
The refinery urged all active and new customers to register for its Free Delivery Scheme, which guarantees direct shipments to retail outlets and remains fully operational.
“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,” it stated.
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This decision comes amid conflicts with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). NUPENG has raised concerns about unionization issues, while DAPPMAN has criticised the Free Delivery Scheme, claiming it forces marketers to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.
The refinery has defended its Free Delivery Scheme, stressing that it is designed to ensure stable supply and reduce fuel costs.
It rejected demands from marketers for subsidies on logistics.
Analysts believe the suspension is intended to address issues such as product diversion and unfair subsidies.
The refinery had said its direct fuel distribution initiative aims to curb logistical costs and inefficiencies. It also assured commitment to ensuring that its operations are not compromised by misleading practices.
The refinery has accused some marketers of diverting subsidized products to unregistered third-party marketers, undermining the intended affordability and steady supply of fuel. Pinnacle Daily reports that earlier in July 2025, the refinery had suspended a discounted fuel scheme due to fraud allegations involving affiliate marketers.
Impact on Independent Marketers
There are concerns that independent petroleum marketers and retail operators who rely on direct self-collection and are not yet part of the Free Delivery Scheme are likely to be significantly affected. They may face challenges in accessing products until they register for the scheme.
The refinery has apologised for any inconvenience caused, emphasising that this adjustment is necessary for operational efficiency.
This move is part of Dangote Refinery’s broader strategy to control distribution and reduce malpractice in the downstream sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
