Fuel War Brews As Dangote Refinery Blocks Access To Petrol For Unlicensed Dealers

The directive, revealed in an internal memo obtained by Punch on Friday, was issued by the Group Commercial Operations Department of Dangote Refinery.

According to the company, the move is designed to reinforce its Free Delivery Scheme for retail outlets and cut off sales to unregistered marketers, whether directly at the depot or indirectly through middlemen.

The refinery told its marketing partners:

“Effective September 18, 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has suspended all self-collection gantry sales until further notice. Consequently, all payments for active PFIs related to self-collection should be placed on hold. Any payments made after this date will not be honoured.”

Dangote assured, however, that its Free Delivery Scheme remains fully operational for both existing and new customers, urging marketers to register to benefit from the service.

“We encourage all partners to sign up for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which guarantees seamless delivery directly to stations,” the company added, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by what it described as an “operational adjustment.”

The suspension comes amid an ongoing clash between the 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 blocking the unionisation of its truck drivers despite government mediation, while DAPPMAN claims the refinery’s Free Delivery Scheme forces marketers to rely on Dangote’s fleet at commercial rates.

Dangote, in defence, argued that the scheme was designed to stabilise supply and reduce diversion, accusing marketers of pushing for subsidies.

The new policy is expected to hit independent marketers and retailers who depend on direct self-collection at the gantry but have yet to sign up for the delivery scheme.

Reaffirming its stance on the dispute with DAPPMAN, Dangote said in a statement on :

“We stand by our position on DAPPMAN… Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand.”

The company insisted it would not absorb logistics costs that marketers are attempting to pass off as subsidies and vowed to defend itself against “misleading reports.”

This face-off comes as Nigerians grow increasingly concerned about soaring fuel prices and nationwide distribution challenges.