NNPCL, Dangote refinery trade words over alleged substandard fuel

The controversial fuel purportedly purchased from a filling station owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited did not come from the refinery, according to Dangote refinery officials. According to the officials, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on the condition of anonymity, Nigerians attested to the Dangote refinery's Premium Motor Spirit's quality since they were aware of how it differed from fuel from other suppliers.

On Saturday, the NNPCL denied claims that it sold substandard petrol with a high burn rate.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL said it was reacting to a viral video claiming that its petrol does not last long in fuel tanks.

Our correspondent reports that a video had surfaced online where a content creator claimed he bought a litre of Dangote petrol from the MRS Filling Station at Alapere, Lagos, at N925 and the same litre from the NNPCL at Ojodu Berger at the rate of N945.

According to him, he poured the fuel into separate new generators. The one running on the NNPCL fuel stopped after 17 minutes, while the Dangote petrol lasted for 33 minutes.

The video went viral as many Nigerians shared experiences of using fuel from both dealers.

But the NNPCL said the petrol purchased from its filling station at Ojodu Berger was from the Dangote refinery.

“The NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in a viral video circulating online, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last. This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight,” the statement said.

The company emphasised that its fuel “is carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability for consumers.”

Furthermore, the NNPCL stressed that a significant percentage of the PMS sold at its stations in Lagos were sourced from the Dangote refinery.

“It is important to emphasise that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security. Dangote refinery adheres to strict industry standards, guaranteeing the quality of petroleum products supplied to our consumers,” the NNPC declared.

It added that the “misleading video” represented yet another desperate attempt by economic saboteurs to misinform the public and tarnish the corporation’s reputation.

“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians.

Henceforth, NNPC Ltd will take firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations. Those engaged in such malicious activities will be held fully accountable under the law,” it stated.

The energy firm urged the public to disregard such “fabricated content” and rely on verified sources for accurate information, adding that it remained steadfast in its mission to ensure fuel availability, affordability, and quality for all Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.

However, sources from the Dangote refinery wondered why the NNPCL deliberately dragged Dangote refinery into the matter.

One of the officials disclosed that not all NNPCL fuel emanated from the Dangote refinery, especially as the corporation had its refineries while still importing fuel from other countries.

According to him, the NNPC is trying to be clever by saying the fuel is from the Dangote refinery and giving ‘fake accolades’ at the same time.

“It was reported that our PMS burn rate is better than any other one, and everybody has been talking about it for months on end. So, why stylishly dragging Dangote into the issue?” an official asked.

Another inner source said that the NNPCL might be trying to drag the Dangote refinery into a controversy.