Dangote Refinery to resume gantry self-collection sales on Sept 23, while maintaining free delivery scheme for petroleum marketers

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced it will resume gantry-based self-collection of petroleum products from Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Also read: Dangote Petroleum Refinery rejects N1.5trn subsidy

The move reverses an earlier suspension of direct pick-up, which had compelled marketers to rely solely on the refinery’s Free Delivery Scheme. The company confirmed the update in a statement from its Group Commercial Operations Department.

“In reference to the earlier email communication on the suspension of the PMS self-collection gantry sales, please note that we will be resuming the self-collection gantry sales on the 23rd of September, 2025,” the refinery stated.

Dangote Refinery apologised for any inconvenience the suspension caused, while stressing that the free delivery model remains active and open for registration at no additional cost.

The company had initially suspended gantry access on September 18 to accelerate adoption of its direct delivery framework, arguing that it would reduce costs, stabilise supply, and curb diversion.

The decision, however, triggered concerns among independent marketers, depot operators, and unions.

Both the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticised the free delivery scheme, citing fears of monopoly and alleged labour rights violations.

Friday’s announcement is expected to ease anxieties within the downstream sector. Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, described the dual system resuming gantry access while sustaining delivery as a “significant shift” that could modernise efficiency.

“Dangote’s retail direct distribution plan is aimed at achieving efficient delivery and driving pump prices downwards, because middlemen costs and their activities could be a stumbling block,” Olatide said.

Industry analysts note that the refinery’s hybrid approach could ease tensions with stakeholders while showcasing the efficiency of its delivery-based system.

If successful, the model may reduce supply chain costs, improve transparency, and stabilise fuel availability nationwide.

Also read: Dangote Petroleum Refinery suspends gantry sales

As Nigeria’s largest refinery continues to refine its operations, its strategy of combining self-collection and free delivery is likely to play a defining role in shaping reforms and efficiency in the downstream oil sector.