The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals has suspended its discounted fuel supply scheme effective July 13, 2025. Following the discovery of a major fraud racket involving some affiliate marketers and strategic partners.
According to the company, investigations revealed that marketers who were granted discounted fuel allocations had been diverting products to unregistered third-party buyers. These marketers exploited their Authority to Collect (ATC) loading tickets to allow non-affiliated importers to lift products directly from the refinery. Bypassing operational and compliance costs while profiteering on price differences.
The discounted pricing scheme was initially created to help Dangote’s registered marketers stay competitive against fuel importers and ensure nationwide access to affordable fuel. However, the diverted products were being resold at market prices, undermining the program’s purpose and disrupting the downstream market.
In a circular dated July 13 and signed by Group Executive Director-Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote. The company confirmed that the abuse had reached critical levels, despite repeated warnings to defaulting partners. Some partners were even found selling at the refinery’s tarmac below official gantry prices.
To manage the fallout, Dangote Refinery stated that all existing Product Release Notes (PRNs) and payments made before the suspension date would remain valid. The company also emphasized that retail stations must maintain the recommended pump prices to prevent further market distortion.
Despite the suspension, Dangote clarified that the strategic partnership program remains intact and will be restructured. New incentive plans for loyal partners are already in development.
Meanwhile, industry analyst Olatide Jeremiah confirmed the diversion scheme. And noted it also included credit-based allocations meant to boost fuel distribution.
With the scheme halted, Dangote now sells at standard rates. While affiliated and non-affiliated marketers sell fuel within the N819–N825 per litre range.
