The Dangote Refinery has halted all self-collection gantry sales of premium motor spirit, effective September 18th, 2025. This decision was communicated to customers via an email, which stated that the suspension will remain in place until further notice. As a result, all payments related to active Petrol Freight Instructions (PFIs) for self-collections have also been put on hold.
The refinery’s decision comes on the heels of a recent dispute with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The controversy began when Dangote Refinery announced a gantry price of N820 per liter as part of its nationwide fuel distribution scheme. DAPPMAN and NUPENG opposed the move, characterizing it as monopolistic.
Dangote Refinery has denied allegations of monopolistic practices, instead accusing DAPPMAN of demanding a N1.5 trillion fuel subsidy. However, DAPPMAN has refuted this claim, asserting that the refinery prioritizes foreign offtakers of its petrol products over Nigerian marketers. The suspension of gantry sales may be a strategic response to the ongoing tensions between the refinery and industry stakeholders.
In the email to customers, Dangote Refinery emphasized that any payments made after the suspension will not be honored. This move may have significant implications for the Nigerian petroleum market, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing fuel distribution challenges. The development is likely to be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders, who will be awaiting further updates on the situation.
The Dangote Refinery’s decision to suspend gantry sales underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the refinery and industry stakeholders will navigate their differences and work towards a resolution. For now, the suspension of gantry sales will likely have a ripple effect on the market, with potential consequences for fuel availability and pricing in Nigeria.
