The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced a suspension of all self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The directive was communicated via an internal memo obtained by DAILY GAZETTE , issued by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department.
According to the statement, the move is intended to drive broader adoption of the Free Delivery Scheme, which the company says ensures a more streamlined and efficient distribution process.
As part of this decision, unregistered marketers, whether purchasing directly or indirectly, will no longer be able to collect products from the refinery’s depot.
The refinery clarified that all payments related to active PFIs (Product Finance Instruments) for self-collection must also be suspended. Any payments made after September 18 will be rejected.
“Effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice,” the memo stated.
“Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”
Despite the change, the Free Delivery Scheme remains operational and is open to both existing and new customers.
“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the statement added.
The management acknowledged the inconvenience the change might cause and asked for understanding.
This decision comes amid rising tensions between the Dangote Refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
NUPENG has accused the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers, despite earlier agreements brokered by the government.
DAPPMAN has raised concerns over the Free Delivery Scheme, claiming marketers are being forced to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates, creating unfair conditions in the market.
In response, the refinery has defended the scheme, insisting it’s aimed at stabilising fuel supply, preventing diversion, and cutting costs.
It also accused some marketers of trying to reintroduce subsidy-like arrangements by pushing logistics costs back onto the refinery.
The situation has further complicated debates around fuel pricing, distribution logistics, and labour rights in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
On Thursday, the refinery reaffirmed its stance in its ongoing dispute with DAPPMAN.
In a post via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the company reiterated its refusal to absorb logistics costs, which marketers have reportedly sought to pass off as a ₦1.505 trillion subsidy.
DAPPMAN maintains that transporting petroleum products from Lagos to other parts of the country involves high logistics and coastal shipping expenses, making self-collection more viable for many.
Meanwhile, independent petroleum marketers and retail station owners who haven’t registered under the Free Delivery Scheme are expected to face distribution challenges due to this policy shift.
