Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced the resumption of gantry-based self-collection of petroleum products, set to commence on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This move comes just days after the refinery temporarily halted the service in favor of its Free Delivery Scheme.
In a statement from the Group Commercial Operations Department, made available via internal communication and obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the company confirmed that marketers would once again be able to collect products directly from the refinery’s depot. However, the free delivery option remains fully operational, and marketers are still encouraged to register their retail outlets for this service.
Dangote Reinstates Gantry Access, Maintains Free Delivery Option
“Please note that we will be resuming the self-collection gantry sales on the 23rd of September, 2025,” the statement read, adding that the Dangote refinery apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension.
The refinery emphasized that the Free Delivery Scheme, which was launched to provide direct-to-outlet fuel delivery at no additional cost, is still available and recommended. “We are aggressively delivering on the Free Delivery Scheme, and it remains open for registration. We encourage marketers to register their stations and pay for product delivery directly to their outlets—for free,” the company said.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery had previously suspended gantry self-collection on September 18, 2025, as part of its strategy to fast-track adoption of the Free Delivery Scheme. This policy shift was also designed to limit transactions with unregistered marketers and reduce the influence of intermediaries in the downstream supply chain.
In an earlier communication, the refinery clarified that the temporary suspension aimed to enhance operational efficiency and minimize product diversion. The company also stated that any payments made after the effective date of suspension for self-collection would be automatically rejected.
The refinery’s policy adjustments have not come without resistance. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) accused Dangote Refinery of resisting unionization efforts for its truck drivers, despite existing agreements brokered by the government.
Additionally, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticized the Free Delivery Scheme, alleging it forced marketers to depend solely on Dangote’s transport network, which they claim comes at hidden commercial costs.
In response, Dangote Petroleum Refinery defended its approach, arguing that the delivery model is aimed at stabilizing fuel supply, eliminating middlemen, and driving down logistics costs. The refinery accused some market players of lobbying for indirect subsidies and resisting reforms designed to bring transparency to the sector.
The initial suspension of gantry access caused concern among independent petroleum marketers and fuel station owners, many of whom had yet to register for the delivery scheme. There were widespread fears that this could lead to fuel supply disruptions and potential scarcity at retail outlets.
However, with the reinstatement of self-collection, the mood among marketers has shifted toward cautious optimism. The hybrid model—offering both gantry pick-up and free delivery—is expected to provide operational flexibility and help stabilize distribution across the country.
Speaking on the development, Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, hailed the move as a step toward modernization of the downstream sector. “Dangote’s dual strategy combines efficiency with flexibility. By offering both self-collection and direct delivery, the refinery is removing bottlenecks created by middlemen and driving down pump prices,” Olatide said.
Olatide further noted that Dangote Refinery’s evolving operations set a precedent for innovation in Nigeria’s downstream oil market. “This new approach demands that marketers and depot owners rethink their business models. We need to embrace smarter, more efficient practices, and that’s exactly what Dangote is promoting,” he added.
As the largest refinery in Africa, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is under the spotlight for how it manages fuel distribution and sets market standards. Industry observers believe this balanced distribution strategy could de-escalate tensions with stakeholders while improving product availability nationwide.
The combination of resumed gantry self-collection and continued free delivery shows that Dangote Petroleum Refinery is working to balance stakeholder interests while transforming the supply chain. If the model proves successful, it could reduce costs, increase transparency, and support pump price stability in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
As Dangote continues to fine-tune its operations, its strategy could become a blueprint for refining and distributing petroleum products not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. The coming months will reveal whether this hybrid model can withstand operational pressures and meet the country’s energy needs efficiently.
Source- Punchng