The controversy over fuel quality in Nigeria has intensified as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery exchange statements over claims of substandard petrol.
Dangote Refinery officials dismissed allegations that a questionable batch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) originated from their facility, insisting that Nigerians could differentiate their fuel quality based on user experience.
The debate gained momentum after a viral video surfaced in which a content creator tested petrol from different stations. According to his findings, a litre of fuel from an MRS Filling Station in Alapere, Lagos—allegedly sourced from Dangote Refinery—powered a generator for 33 minutes, whereas a litre from an NNPCL station in Ojodu Berger lasted only 17 minutes.
In response, NNPCL refuted the allegations, calling the video unscientific and misleading. Its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, released a statement dismissing the claims as baseless, emphasising that the corporation ensures high-quality fuel optimised for efficiency and sustainability.
NNPCL also clarified that a significant portion of the PMS sold at its Lagos stations comes from Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in energy security. The company warned against misinformation and announced plans to take legal action against individuals spreading false claims about its fuel quality.
Despite NNPCL’s clarification, Dangote Refinery sources expressed concerns about being dragged into the issue. One official questioned why NNPCL attributed the disputed fuel to them while also praising their product’s superior burn rate. Another source speculated that NNPCL might be attempting to create unnecessary controversy, emphasising that Dangote does not sell substandard fuel and Nigerians can attest to its quality.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s fuel sector as local production gains prominence, with consumers caught in the middle of conflicting claims about fuel quality and efficiency.