The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has stopped its discounted fuel supply programme after uncovering that some affiliated marketers were secretly diverting the subsidised products to third parties for personal gain.
The scheme, which was meant to support registered partners with cheaper refined petroleum products to ensure wide availability across the country, was suspended on July 13, 2025.
Investigations showed that some marketers were handing over their product collection tickets to unregistered marketers, who then sold the products at higher prices, far above the agreed discounted rate.
This arrangement allowed them to make quick profits without covering the usual costs of operating retail outlets or handling logistics.
As a result, the refinery’s goal of keeping fuel affordable and evenly distributed was not being met.
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Dangote management said this abuse affected the sustainability of its operations and distorted the local fuel market.
In a letter to its partners signed by the Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, the company announced the suspension and explained that the discounted pricing model would be reviewed.
However, it said that already-issued product release notes at the partner rate would still be honoured, and any partner who had made full payment before the suspension would still receive products at the agreed discounted price.
Retail stations have also been told to continue selling at the recommended pump price, even as the discounted scheme is temporarily stopped.
Despite the move, Dangote confirmed it still values its partnership with the marketers and will introduce a new system to reward loyalty and ensure compliance.
Checks around the market showed that independent fuel importers and depot owners are now selling at prices similar to Dangote’s rates.
Depots that previously sold above N830 per litre have adjusted their prices to around N820, in line with Dangote’s latest price.
While no marketers were officially named, the list of known Dangote partners includes MRS Oil, Techno Oil, Ardova Plc, TotalEnergies, Heyden Petroleum, Hyde Energy, and others.
The Dangote Group has said it will provide more details later, but made it clear there is no current dispute between the refinery and its marketers.
