The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended the self-collection of petroleum products from its gantry, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The suspension was communicated in an internal memo signed by the Group Commercial Operations Department and obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday. The company said the move is intended to streamline operations, curb sales to unregistered marketers, and encourage broader adoption of its Free Delivery Scheme.
“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 notice read. “Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”
The company urged all marketing partners to register for the Free Delivery Scheme, which it says offers a seamless shipment experience directly to retail outlets. The delivery initiative, still in operation, is open to both existing and newly onboarded customers.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we implement this operational adjustment,” the management added.
Industry Fallout and Union Dispute
The suspension comes amid growing tensions between the refinery and key stakeholders in the downstream sector, including the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
NUPENG has criticised the refinery for allegedly resisting efforts to unionise its truck drivers, despite a government-mediated agreement. Meanwhile, DAPPMAN has voiced strong opposition to the Free Delivery Scheme, accusing Dangote of enforcing a monopolistic system that compels marketers to rely on its fleet at commercial delivery rates.
Dangote, however, insists that the Free Delivery Scheme is designed to reduce costs, improve supply chain reliability, and prevent product diversion. It maintains that the current pushback is driven by marketers seeking indirect subsidies.
In a statement issued Thursday via the company’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Dangote Group reiterated its stance against absorbing logistics expenses for marketers. Titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN… Marketers’ ₦1.505 Trillion Subsidy Demand”, the statement affirmed that the refinery will continue defending its pricing model and operational policies.
Implications for Independent Marketers
The halt in self-collection is expected to significantly impact independent marketers and retail operators who have previously depended on gantry pick-ups rather than signing up for Dangote’s delivery model.
Industry experts suggest that the move could lead to increased operating costs for marketers not enrolled in the delivery scheme and may further complicate fuel distribution logistics amid rising public concerns over pump prices.
As the standoff between Dangote, marketers, and labour unions continues, questions remain over long-term supply stability, pricing transparency, and fair competition in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream oil market.
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