Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has suspended its discounted fuel supply scheme following investigations that uncovered a racket involving some affiliate marketers and strategic partners diverting subsidised refined petroleum products for profit.
The refinery discovered that marketers granted discounted products intended to support affordable and steady fuel supply were diverting loaded trucks to unregistered third-party marketers. These unregistered buyers then sold the fuel at higher market prices, undermining the purpose of the subsidy and distorting the downstream market.
In a letter dated July 13, 2025, signed by Group Executive Director-Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, the company stated the suspension of the discounted price scheme with immediate effect while working to restructure the program. The letter expressed concern over partners selling products below the official gantry price directly from the refinery, jeopardizing long-term sustainability.
The refinery reassured that existing Product Release Notes (PRNs) issued before the suspension would remain valid, and partners who completed payment prior to July 13 would still benefit from discounted prices. All retail outlets are urged to adhere to recommended pump prices to maintain market uniformity.
Market checks revealed that non-affiliated marketers, relying on imported fuel, continue to price fuel comparably to Dangote’s registered marketers, despite lacking subsidy access.
While Dangote has not publicly named the defaulting marketers, its list of strategic partners includes major industry players such as MRS Oil, Ardova Plc, TotalEnergies, and others.
Despite the suspension, DPRP affirmed the continued relevance of its strategic partnership scheme and is exploring new incentive models for partners.
