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 company said, citing efforts to strengthen its free-delivery scheme and curb sales to unregistered marketers.
In a notice to marketing partners, the refinery said the suspension is aimed at stopping direct and indirect sales to unregistered operators — including cases where middlemen collect product on behalf of non-registered marketers.
“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 said.
The refinery further instructed partners to halt payments linked to active Product Fulfilment Instructions (PFIs) for self-collection.
“In light of this development, we kindly request that 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,” the message added.
Dangote reassured customers that its DPRP Free Delivery Scheme remains operational. “We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the company said, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the “operational adjustment.”
Flashback
The move comes amid an intensifying dispute involving the 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 Dangote of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers despite what the union says was a government-brokered agreement.
DAPPMAN, which represents many private depot operators, has criticised the refinery’s free delivery scheme, arguing that marketers are being forced to rely on Dangote’s fleet — often at commercial rates.
Dangote defended the scheme as a measure to stabilise supply and reduce costs, while accusing some marketers of seeking subsidies and enabling diversion of product.
In a statement posted on its official 𝕏 account and signed by management, the company said: “We stand by our statement on DAPPMAN… Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand.” The refinery also said it reserved the right to correct misleading reports about its operations.
Analysts say the policy change will have immediate implications for independent petroleum marketers and retail operators who depend on gantry self-collection but are not yet enrolled in the free delivery programme. Those operators may face increased logistics costs or delays as they transition to the refinery’s delivery model.
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The face-off unfolds against a backdrop of public concern over fuel prices and distribution logistics. DAPPMAN has argued that moving products from the refinery’s Lagos base to distribution points across the country involves substantial logistics and coastal shipping costs — costs it says should be borne equitably across the sector rather than shifted entirely onto marketers.
Dangote said it will review the suspended self-collection model and will provide further guidance to partners in due course.
Marketers and industry stakeholders are expected to hold urgent talks with the refinery and relevant government agencies to resolve outstanding operational and labour issues.
