The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially suspended its strategic partner petrol discount scheme following allegations that some accredited partners were abusing their Authority to Collect (ATC) rights by reselling them to unauthorized marketers.
The ATC is a legal right given to select partners, allowing them to lift petroleum products directly from the refinery at a discounted rate. However, investigations revealed that several partners were allegedly reselling these rights at the refinery gate, enabling unauthorized third parties to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) below the official ex-gantry price.
In a letter signed by Fatima Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, the company described the development as a serious breach of trust. The letter, seen by News Access NG, noted that despite repeated engagements with strategic partners, the violations persisted.
“Over the last few months, DPRP has received unprecedented complaints of partners selling their ATCs below the prevailing PMS gantry product price,” the statement read. “It has become a matter of grave concern to the refinery as it threatens the sustainability of our operations.”
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As a result, the management has suspended the discounted pricing scheme effective July 13, 2025, pending a full restructuring of the initiative. However, the refinery clarified that existing Product Release Notes (PRNs) issued at the partner rate will remain valid. Also, any partner who made payment before the suspension will still receive the agreed pricing.
“Recommended pump prices across retail stations should still be adhered to,” the refinery cautioned, emphasizing that price discipline must be maintained across its supply network.
While assuring partners of its continued commitment to collaboration, the Dangote Group said it is exploring new reward-based schemes that will soon be unveiled to replace the suspended program.
The discounted pricing scheme was initially launched to improve affordability and accessibility of refined products across Nigeria. But recent violations have undermined the refinery’s pricing structure and raised concerns over transparency in product distribution.
Earlier this month, the Dangote Refinery welcomed a new wave of oil marketers into its distribution network. These include TotalEnergies, Garima Petroleum, Sunbeth Energies, Sobaz Nigeria Ltd, Virgin Forest Energy, Sixxco Oil Ltd, NU Synergy Ltd, and Soroman Nigeria Ltd.
Existing strategic partners such as MRS Oil, Heyden Petroleum, Ardova Plc, Hyde Energy, Optima Energy, and Techno Oil remain part of the supply chain.
