Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government to conduct fresh tests to verify the quality of petrol sold at filling stations across the country. This follows allegations in a viral video claiming that fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) burns at a faster rate compared to petrol from the Dangote Refinery.
Despite the uproar, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has defended the quality of NNPC’s fuel, asserting that it meets industry standards.
The controversy erupted after a content creator shared a video comparing petrol purchased from two different stations. According to his experiment, a litre of Dangote petrol bought at an MRS filling station in Alapere, Lagos, for ₦925 lasted 30 minutes in a power generator, while a litre of NNPC petrol bought at Ojodu Berger for ₦945 ran out in just 17 minutes.
In response, NNPC denied selling substandard petrol, calling the claims “false and misleading.” The company’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed the video as “amateur research lacking credibility and professional oversight.”
Debate Over Fuel Origin and Quality
NNPC clarified that a significant portion of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at its Lagos stations comes from the Dangote Refinery. However, this claim was disputed by officials from Dangote, who distanced the refinery from the controversy.
Social media users have since weighed in, with many urging regulatory agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), to conduct independent tests.
One user, @Walemicaiah, stated:
“It’s a simple experiment anyone can replicate. The FCCPC should supervise tests to ensure quality assurance.”
Others questioned the methodology used in the viral video. @Momolesho argued that the experiment lacked scientific rigor:
“Two different generators were used. For accuracy, the same generator should be tested under controlled conditions.”
However, some Nigerians insisted that their personal experiences align with the video’s claims. @Bokanbature1 suggested an objective test:
“Switch the fuel types between both generators to compare results. From my experience, MRS fuel lasts longer than NNPC’s.”
PETROAN Backs NNPC
Amid the backlash, PETROAN reaffirmed its confidence in NNPC’s fuel quality. The association stated that its independent tests on NNPC petroleum products confirmed compliance with industry standards.
PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, highlighted key test results, including flash point, density, viscosity, and sulfur content, all of which, he claimed, met or exceeded regulatory requirements.
“NNPC adheres to strict industry standards, ensuring quality and safety. We support healthy competition and fair trade in the petroleum sector,” Obele added.
As the debate continues, many Nigerians are calling for transparency, urging the government and regulatory bodies to conduct independent tests to settle the controversy once and for all.
