By Abigail Philip David
Nigerians have urged the Federal Government to conduct fresh tests to verify the quality of petrol sold at filling stations nationwide. This call comes in response to a viral video alleging that petrol from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) burns faster than expected.
Despite the claims, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has defended NNPCL, asserting that its fuel meets industry standards.
NNPCL Denies Allegations
On Saturday, NNPCL dismissed the accusations, calling them baseless. In a statement by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the company stated that the claims were based on an unverified and unscientific test.
The controversy began when a content creator shared a video comparing petrol from Dangote Refinery and NNPCL. He claimed to have purchased a liter of Dangote petrol at N925 from an MRS station in Alapere, Lagos, and another liter of NNPCL petrol at N945 from Ojodu Berger. He then poured each into separate generators, reporting that the Dangote fuel lasted 30 minutes, while the NNPCL fuel ran out after 17 minutes.
NNPCL, however, clarified that the petrol sold at its Ojodu Berger station was actually sourced from Dangote Refinery, a claim that some refinery officials denied.
“The NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations in a viral video suggesting that its fuel does not last. This claim is based on amateur and unverified research that lacks credibility,” the statement read.
Public Reactions and Calls for Investigation
Many Nigerians have taken to social media, calling for an independent investigation. Some questioned why NNPCL continues to source fuel from Dangote Refinery instead of utilizing the recently restarted Port Harcourt Refinery. Others urged regulatory bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) to conduct a supervised test.
One user, @Walemicaiah, supported an independent test:
“This is a simple experiment anyone can replicate. The FCCPC should step in to verify fuel quality.”
Another user, @momolesho, doubted the experiment’s accuracy, suggesting, “Both generators should be the same, properly serviced, and tested under identical conditions.”
Similarly, @wisebrown emphasized, “The engines may have different settings, affecting fuel consumption. A controlled test is necessary.”
However, some insisted their personal experiences support the claim that Dangote fuel lasts longer. User @Bokanbature1 said, “Switching fuel types between the generators would give a fairer comparison. But from my experience, MRS fuel lasts longer than NNPCL fuel.”
@adelacuna added, “Instead of dismissing the claims, NNPCL should conduct its own test and share the results.”
PETROAN Defends NNPCL’s Fuel Quality
Despite the controversy, PETROAN has backed NNPCL, affirming that its fuel meets regulatory standards.
In a statement on Sunday, PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele said, **“We conduct rigorous tests on petroleum products before they are lifted from any depot or refinery.”**
He detailed the results, stating that NNPCL’s fuel:
– Meets flash point, density, and viscosity standards for optimal engine performance.
– Contains sulfur within regulatory limits to prevent engine corrosion and environmental pollution.
– Has water content well below the maximum allowable limit, ensuring fuel stability.
PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, urged content creators to be responsible when sharing sensitive information, emphasizing the need for fair competition in the petroleum industry.
The debate over petrol quality continues, with growing demands for independent testing to determine the fuel’s true efficiency.
