The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has uncovered a fuel diversion racket involving some of its affiliate marketers and strategic partners, leading to the immediate suspension of its discounted fuel supply scheme.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the refinery disclosed that a series of internal investigations revealed that certain marketers who had been granted access to discounted refined petroleum products were illegally diverting them for profit.
The discounted supply scheme was introduced to support registered affiliate marketers in maintaining stable profit margins amidst intense competition from fuel importers. It was also aimed at ensuring nationwide availability of Dangote’s products at affordable prices.
However, the investigations showed that some marketers were exploiting the system by allowing unregistered third-party marketers—mainly fuel importers—to use their Authority To Collect (ATC) loading tickets. These third parties would then lift products directly from the refinery, bypassing key regulatory and logistical processes.
“This fraudulent practice enabled the culprits to profit from the price differential without bearing the legitimate costs associated with retail station operations, logistics, and administrative compliance,” the statement noted.
The refinery described the action as a serious breach of trust and a sabotage of its market stabilization efforts. It assured stakeholders that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against those involved, and that new safeguards would be implemented to prevent a recurrence.
The suspension of the discount scheme is expected to remain in effect while a comprehensive review and restructuring of the distribution process is underway.