Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has stopped self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products, effective September 18, 2025.
The decision, communicated through an internal directive obtained by Punch, applies until further notice and affects all payments linked to active Proforma Invoices (PFIs).
The refinery explained that the suspension is designed to strengthen its free delivery scheme for registered customers and curb sales to unregistered marketers and middlemen.
Partners were informed that any payments made after the cut-off date for self-collection would not be honoured, underscoring the company’s intent to centralize distribution.
In its message to marketing partners, the company said, “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.
“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.”
Despite halting gantry pickups, Dangote assured marketers that its Free Delivery Scheme remains fully operational. Both existing and newly onboarded customers have been encouraged to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme.
The company apologised to its partners for what it called an “operational adjustment,” while urging compliance with the new delivery model. This move effectively compels independent retailers to adapt or risk exclusion from direct access to Dangote’s fuel supplies.
“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 added.
The policy change comes against the backdrop of a worsening standoff between 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 Dangote of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers, despite a government-brokered agreement aimed at resolving the dispute.
DAPPMAN, meanwhile, has condemned the refinery’s free delivery model, claiming it forces marketers to rely on Dangote’s trucking fleet at commercial rates. This, according to depot operators, drives up logistics costs and squeezes margins for marketers operating outside Lagos.
Defending its policy, Dangote argued that the free delivery scheme was designed to stabilise fuel supply, reduce diversion, and lower costs across the retail network. The refinery countered DAPPMAN’s claims by stating that marketers are pushing for subsidies under the guise of logistics concerns.
In a statement on its official 𝕏 account, Dangote reaffirmed its rejection of DAPPMAN’s reported ₦1.505 trillion subsidy demand. “We stand by our statement on DAPPMAN… Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand,” the refinery declared, stressing that it will not absorb logistics costs.
