Dangote Refinery Suspends Sales to Marketers Without Registration

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

This was contained in a mail correspondence on Friday, signed by the Group Commercial Operations Department of the company.

The directive is aimed at encouraging broader adoption of the refinery’s free delivery scheme for retail outlets and halting sales to unregistered marketers, whether they purchase directly from its depot or through intermediaries.

Dangote explained that the move is an operational adjustment intended to improve efficiency. The company urged marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which provides direct shipments to retail stations, while warning that any payments made after the effective date would not be accepted.

The communication to its marketing partners stated in part:
“Effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In line with this, all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also to be placed on hold. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”

The company, however, assured that its Free Delivery Scheme remains active for both existing and newly onboarded customers. It added:
“We encourage all customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and ensures a seamless delivery experience to your station.”

Management also apologised for the inconveniences the decision might cause, saying:
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we implement this operational adjustment.”

The development comes amid ongoing disputes between 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 the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers despite a government-brokered agreement, while DAPPMAN has criticised the “free delivery scheme,” alleging that marketers are being compelled to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.

The refinery, however, insists the scheme is designed to stabilise supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of seeking subsidies and encouraging diversion. The standoff has raised concerns over pricing, labour rights, and competition in the downstream oil sector.

The decision is expected to affect independent petroleum marketers and retail owners who are yet to register for the free delivery scheme and have relied on direct self-collection from the refinery’s gantry.