The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended its discounted fuel supply scheme after uncovering large-scale abuse by some of its partners.
The move, which took effect on July 13, 2025, has left many Nigerians disappointed, especially as the scheme was designed to ease the burden of high fuel prices.
According to the company, several affiliate marketers and strategic partners took advantage of the initiative for personal gain.
Rather than selling the fuel at approved prices, they resold it at inflated rates, causing market distortion.
This behavior went against the core aim of the scheme to make petroleum products more affordable for consumers across the country.
Investigations showed that some marketers handed their Authority to Collect (ATC) tickets to third parties.
These parties, who were not registered retailers, used the ATCs to lift fuel at subsidised rates directly from the refinery.
They then sold the products off-site without going through proper retail channels.
In a letter to partners signed by the Group Executive Director Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, the company expressed deep concern. She wrote:
“Over the last few months, DPRP has been receiving unprecedented complaints of Strategic Partners selling their ATCs at the refinery below the prevailing PMS gantry product price… This has become an area of grave concern to DPRP as it affects the sustainability of our gantry operations.”
This development adds pressure to an already tense downstream sector where fuel prices are constantly shifting.
Moreover, the Dangote Refinery has recently been seen as a vital force in stabilizing Nigeria’s energy landscape.
While the company did not name the offending partners, it stated that all marketers who paid before July 13 would still receive their products.
In addition, existing Product Release Notes (PRNs) issued under the discounted scheme would remain valid.
Furthermore, the management insisted that all retail outlets must maintain the recommended pump prices.
This measure is meant to prevent further exploitation of customers and ensure fairness in the market.
Meanwhile, this suspension is seen by industry watchers as a blow to many small marketers who relied on the scheme to remain competitive.
Consumers, already struggling with the rising cost of living, now face the likelihood of increased fuel prices as a result.
Despite the setback, Dangote Refinery has promised to tighten its controls and redesign the scheme if it is ever reintroduced.
