The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will resume gantry self-collection sales of refined petroleum products on Tuesday, marking a significant step in stabilizing fuel supply across the country. The move comes after weeks of market uncertainty and supply bottlenecks that had triggered concerns among marketers and consumers. The resumption of gantry operations is expected to ease distribution challenges, enhance efficiency, and bring some relief to the downstream oil sector.
According to refinery officials, the gantry self-collection model will allow licensed marketers and distributors to directly lift products from the refinery’s loading points. This system is designed to cut down delays often associated with third-party logistics and middlemen, while also reducing cases of artificial scarcity and price manipulation in the domestic market. The decision, they explained, aligns with the refinery’s broader goal of ensuring transparency and accountability in petroleum product distribution.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest and the world’s biggest single-train facility, had earlier paused self-collection sales due to operational adjustments and safety upgrades at its gantries. During the pause, supplies were largely channeled through designated distributors, a situation that some marketers claimed limited access and created uneven distribution. With the resumption of direct lifting, industry stakeholders are optimistic that fuel supply will become more efficient and widespread.
Independent and major oil marketers have already welcomed the development, describing it as a bold step toward addressing lingering challenges in the downstream sector. They noted that direct access to the refinery’s gantries would not only guarantee timely supply but could also help stabilize pump prices in the medium term. However, they also urged the government to provide complementary support in the form of improved road infrastructure and security along fuel distribution routes.
Economic analysts have also weighed in, suggesting that the gantry resumption could positively impact inflation, particularly given the weight of fuel prices on transportation and general commodity costs. By reducing artificial scarcity and middleman costs, they argue, Nigerians may soon begin to feel some relief at filling stations, provided monitoring mechanisms are enforced to prevent hoarding and profiteering.
Meanwhile, regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), have pledged close monitoring of the process to ensure compliance with established guidelines. Authorities say the refinery’s sales model will be integrated with digital tracking systems to provide real-time data on distribution patterns and guard against diversion of products.
As the Dangote Refinery resumes gantry operations, attention will remain on how effectively the initiative translates to price stability and reliable supply for millions of Nigerians. For now, both industry operators and consumers are looking to Tuesday with cautious optimism, hoping that this new phase in the refinery’s operations will deliver on its promise of transforming the country’s downstream oil sector.
