Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced the resumption of gantry-based self-collection of petroleum products at its depot, beginning Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The move follows a brief suspension earlier in the week that had compelled marketers to rely solely on the company’s Free Delivery Scheme.
The new development was disclosed in an internal email from the Group Commercial Operations Department, marking a significant shift in the refinery’s downstream supply strategy.
Backtrack After Industry Pushback
Last week, the refinery abruptly halted gantry access, citing efforts to curb dealings with unregistered marketers and accelerate the adoption of its free nationwide delivery model. However, Friday’s announcement signals a recalibration, likely in response to mounting pressure from stakeholders and concerns over potential supply bottlenecks.
“In reference to the earlier email communication on the suspension of PMS self-collection gantry sales, please note that we will be resuming the self-collection gantry sales on the 23rd of September,” the company said.
The statement also emphasized that the Free Delivery Scheme remains active and encouraged marketers to continue registering their stations for direct product drop-offs at no extra cost.
Apology Issued, Supply Assurances Given
Dangote Petroleum Refinery expressed regret over the disruption caused by the temporary suspension and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring seamless product distribution.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the company said.
“We are aggressively delivering on the free delivery scheme… We encourage you to register your stations and pay for the product to be delivered directly to you for free.”
Operational Reforms Stir Industry Reactions
The initial decision to suspend self-collection sparked tension across the downstream oil market, especially among independent marketers and retail operators who had not yet enrolled in the delivery scheme.
It also drew criticism from key industry bodies. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) accused the refinery of resisting unionisation of its truck drivers, while the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) opposed what it described as forced reliance on the refinery’s transport fleet.
In response, Dangote Refinery defended the delivery system, stating that it was designed to reduce product diversion, cut costs, and improve supply transparency.
“The Free Delivery Scheme is aimed at stabilising supply and eliminating middlemen who often distort market prices,” the company said earlier in the week.
Expert: Balanced Model Could Modernise Supply Chain
Commenting on the policy shift, Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, said the dual-track model offering both gantry pickup and free delivery may signal a positive evolution in Nigeria’s petroleum distribution landscape.
“This hybrid approach gives room for innovation while addressing inefficiencies in the old supply chain. Middlemen often inflate prices and create unnecessary bottlenecks,” Olatide noted.
“Dangote’s strategy, if managed transparently, could bring down pump prices and reshape how products move from refinery to station.”
He added that the refinery’s reforms may force traditional marketers to rethink their distribution methods and embrace more transparent, tech-driven solutions.
What’s Next for the Downstream Sector?
With self-collection now reinstated and the Free Delivery Scheme continuing, Dangote Refinery appears to be walking a fine line, easing stakeholder concerns while still pushing for sector-wide transformation.
Industry observers say the flexible approach could help reduce tension between the refinery and its partners, while offering a chance to demonstrate the viability of a modern, cost-efficient petroleum supply model.
