Dangote Refinery Halts Sales to Unregistered Marketers, Pushes Free Delivery Scheme

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

The refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department, in a communication to its marketing partners, stated that the suspension is designed to encourage wider adoption of its Free Delivery Scheme and prevent sales to unregistered marketers.

The Free Delivery Scheme ensures direct shipments to retail outlets, aiming to improve operational efficiency and stabilize supply. The company warned that any payments for self-collection made after the effective date will not be honored.

The communication read in part: “Effective 18th September 2025, all self-collection gantry sales are on hold until further notice. We kindly request that all related payments are also placed on hold. Payments made after this date will not be accepted. We encourage all active and new customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational.”

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions 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 unionization for its truck drivers, DAPPMAN has criticized the Free Delivery Scheme, claiming it forces marketers to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.

The refinery insists that the scheme is intended to cut costs and reduce diversion, asserting its right to protect operations against subsidy demands.

The move is expected to affect independent marketers and retail operators who have not registered for the Free Delivery Scheme and rely on direct self-collection at the refinery gantry.

In a statement shared via Dangote Group’s official X account, the company reaffirmed its stance on the dispute with DAPPMAN, emphasizing that it will not absorb logistics costs demanded by marketers and stands by its operational adjustments.

The development highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector over fuel pricing, logistics, and market regulation, as well as the balance between efficiency and accessibility for independent petroleum marketers.