By Philomina Brando
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that it will resume self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its facility from Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The development, contained in an email from the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department and obtained by Saturday PUNCH on Friday, reverses an earlier directive suspending gantry access and compelling marketers to rely exclusively on its Free Delivery Scheme.
According to the company, the reinstatement of gantry-based loading will operate alongside the free delivery option, which remains open for marketers at no additional cost.
“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 said.
The company apologised to its partners for any inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension while assuring stakeholders of its commitment to efficiency and seamless supply. It further encouraged marketers to continue registering their stations for the free delivery programme.
On September 18, 2025, Dangote Refinery suspended self-collection at its depot to accelerate adoption of the Free Delivery Scheme, which guarantees direct shipment of products to registered retail outlets nationwide. The company had said the measure would prevent unregistered marketers from accessing its supply chain and improve distribution efficiency.
The decision, however, drew backlash from industry groups. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) accused the refinery of resisting the unionisation of its truck drivers despite a government-brokered agreement, while the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticised the delivery scheme, alleging it tied marketers to Dangote’s transport fleet at commercial rates.
Dangote Refinery defended the model as a stabilisation measure aimed at cutting costs, reducing product diversion, and eliminating middlemen charges in the distribution chain.
Independent marketers and retail outlet operators, many of whom are yet to register for the scheme, had expressed fears of supply disruption following the suspension of gantry loading. Friday’s announcement of its resumption is expected to ease such concerns.
Commenting on the move, the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, described the dual strategy as “a significant shift that could modernise efficiency in the downstream sector.”
“Historically, the distribution chain has not been better off. For me, Dangote’s retail direct distribution plan is aimed at achieving efficient delivery and driving pump prices downwards, because the middlemen costs and their activities could be a stumbling block,” Olatide said.
He added that the reforms open up opportunities for innovation in petroleum product distribution and retail, urging marketers and depot owners to embrace the changes.
Analysts believe the combined model of gantry access and free delivery could reduce supply tensions, enhance transparency, and ultimately stabilise fuel availability across the country.
As the refinery continues to fine-tune its operations, industry stakeholders say its strategies will play a decisive role in reshaping Nigeria’s downstream sector and addressing persistent inefficiencies.