Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has suspended self-collection gantry sales at its facility, a move that directs all product distribution through its free delivery scheme. The new policy, which took effect on Thursday, September 18, 2025, aims to strengthen the company’s delivery system and prevent sales to unregistered marketers and middlemen.
The directive, announced in an internal mail from the Group Commercial Operations Department, asks marketing partners to place all payments for self-collection on hold until further notice.
“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 company stated in the message. “Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”
The refinery emphasized that its Free Delivery Scheme remains fully operational for both existing and new customers. The company encouraged partners to register for the scheme, which it says offers a seamless delivery experience.
Disputes Provide Context for the New Policy
This operational adjustment comes amid escalating tensions between the refinery and key industry groups. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the refinery of resisting the unionization of its truck drivers, despite a government-brokered agreement.
Simultaneously, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has criticized the refinery’s free delivery scheme. DAPPMAN claims that marketers are being forced to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates, arguing that transporting products from the Lagos-based refinery to other parts of the country involves significant logistics and coastal shipping costs.
In its defense, Dangote Refinery has stated that its scheme is designed to stabilize supply and cut costs. The company has accused marketers of pushing for subsidies and fueling product diversion. In a statement on its official X account, the refinery reaffirmed its stance, stating it would not absorb logistics costs that marketers are seeking to pass on as subsidies.
The new policy is expected to have significant implications for independent petroleum marketers and retail operators who have depended on direct self-collection at the gantry but are not yet signed up to the free delivery scheme.
