The alleged substandard fuel has taken a new turn as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery trade statements over the source and quality of petrol sold at filling stations.
A viral video recently surfaced online in which a content creator compared the burn rate of petrol purchased from an NNPCL station and a Dangote refinery outlet.
The video claimed that petrol from Dangote lasted significantly longer in a generator than that from NNPCL, sparking widespread public debate and concerns over fuel quality.
In response, the NNPCL released a statement through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, strongly refuting the allegations.
The company dismissed the video as “misleading and unverified research lacking credibility,” asserting that its fuel meets high industry standards and ensures efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.
Further complicating the issue, the NNPCL stated that a significant percentage of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at its Lagos stations was sourced from Dangote Refinery.
While this was seemingly an effort to clear its name, officials from Dangote Refinery questioned the intention behind the statement, implying that the NNPCL might be using their brand to shift attention away from potential deeper issues.
One Dangote official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “It was reported that our PMS burn rate is better than others, and everyone has acknowledged that for months. Why is NNPCL subtly dragging Dangote into this issue now? Not all their fuel comes from us—they have their own refineries and still import fuel from other countries.”
Analysts suggest that the back-and-forth between the two entities may serve as a distraction from fully investigating the root of the issue—whether there is indeed substandard fuel in circulation and where it originates.
With economic hardship already affecting fuel prices, consumers remain frustrated by conflicting reports that do little to address their concerns over product quality.
The NNPCL has warned that it will take legal action against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods about its operations, stating that “deliberate misinformation” will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery has chosen not to make any further official statements but has maintained that its fuel adheres to strict industry standards. As public scrutiny intensifies, industry experts and regulatory bodies may need to step in with independent assessments to ensure accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. Until then, the controversy remains a heated distraction from the core issue of ensuring quality fuel for consumers
