Dangote refinery stops petrol sales to unregistered marketers

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The development was disclosed in a mail to marketing partners, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department, and obtained on Friday, September 19.

The company said the move was part of operational adjustments aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring wider adoption of its Free Delivery Scheme (FDS), which provides direct shipment of petroleum products to retail outlets.

“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 communication read. “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.”

Dangote urged marketers to embrace its FDS, describing it as a seamless way to guarantee timely delivery while curbing product diversion.

The refinery assured that the scheme remains fully operational for both existing and newly onboarded customers.

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The company also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the suspension, saying it was necessary to enhance supply chain efficiency.

The directive comes amid a lingering dispute between the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

While NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers, DAPPMAN has criticised the FDS, alleging that marketers are compelled to rely on Dangote’s logistics fleet at commercial rates.

Dangote has dismissed these claims, insisting that it will not absorb logistics costs as subsidies and that the scheme is aimed at stabilising supply and cutting costs.

Industry observers say the suspension could significantly affect independent marketers and retail owners who have yet to register for the free delivery arrangement and have relied on direct self-collection from the refinery’s gantry.

The Star