BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Suspends Diesel Discount Scheme After Uncovering N4bn Fuel Diversion Scandal

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The Dangote Refinery has suspended its diesel discount scheme following the exposure of a major fuel diversion racket allegedly orchestrated by some of its partners and workers. The shocking development comes after the company discovered that over ₦4 billion worth of diesel was being illegally diverted in collusion with external accomplices.

The fuel theft scandal, which led to the arraignment of several Dangote workers and an Indian national, has rattled Nigeria’s energy sector and raised concerns about internal sabotage and distribution fraud at one of the country’s most strategic facilities.

The suspects were brought before a Federal High Court on June 11, 2025, after a detailed investigation linked them to the illegal diversion of large volumes of diesel meant to be sold at discounted rates to licensed distributors and industrial users.

Sources close to the refinery confirmed that the stolen fuel was being resold at black-market prices, undermining the company’s efforts to stabilize diesel costs and make fuel more affordable for Nigerians.

“We regret to announce the temporary suspension of our diesel discount programme due to ongoing investigations into a widespread diversion scheme involving some of our partners,” a senior official at Dangote Industries said under anonymity.

The discount scheme, which had been widely praised for lowering diesel prices below market rates, was introduced as part of Dangote Refinery’s commitment to reducing energy costs across Nigeria. The suspension has sparked fresh concerns among transporters, manufacturers, and small business owners who relied heavily on the reduced-price diesel to power operations.

Social media has erupted with reactions, with hashtags like #DangoteDieselScam, #FuelFraud, and #N4bnDiversion trending on X (formerly Twitter). While many users expressed disappointment over the scheme’s halt, others praised Dangote Group for swiftly exposing the internal fraud network.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have vowed to deepen their investigation, with expectations that more arrests could follow. Legal analysts say the suspects face serious charges, including economic sabotage, conspiracy, and diversion of petroleum products, which could carry long prison terms if proven.

This scandal marks the latest challenge for the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery, which only recently began full-scale operations and has been under immense pressure to deliver cheaper fuel to the Nigerian market.

As the refinery works to restore public trust and clean up its distribution chain, all eyes are now on the ongoing court proceedings and the company’s next steps to tighten operational security.