NNPCL, Dangote Refinery on collision course over alleged substandard fuel
Dangote Refinery has refuted claims that fuel allegedly purchased from a filling station owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) originated from its refinery.
Speaking to journalists on the condition of anonymity, Dangote Refinery officials stated that Nigerians are well aware of the superior quality of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) produced by the refinery and can easily distinguish it from fuel sourced elsewhere.
On Saturday, the NNPCL denied accusations that it sold substandard petrol with a high burn rate. In a statement released by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL addressed a viral video claiming that its fuel did not last long in fuel tanks.
The video, which circulated widely, showed a content creator who purchased a litre of fuel from the MRS Filling Station at Alapere, Lagos, for N925, and the same litre from the NNPCL filling station at Ojodu Berger for N945. According to the creator, after pouring the fuel into two new generators, the one running on NNPCL fuel stopped after 17 minutes, while the generator using Dangote fuel ran for 33 minutes.
The video sparked significant online discussion, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences of using fuel from both dealers. However, the NNPCL insisted that the fuel purchased at its Ojodu Berger station came from the Dangote refinery.
“The NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in the viral video, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last. This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research lacking credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight,” the statement read.
The NNPCL also reiterated that its fuel is carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability for consumers. It further stressed that a significant proportion of the PMS sold at its stations in Lagos is 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,” the NNPCL said.
The corporation condemned the “misleading video,” calling it a deliberate attempt by economic saboteurs to tarnish its reputation. It vowed to take legal action against those spreading falsehoods, warning that anyone involved in such activities would be held accountable under the law.
The NNPCL urged the public to disregard the “fabricated content” and rely on verified sources for accurate information, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring fuel availability, affordability, and quality for Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.
However, sources within Dangote Refinery expressed confusion over why the NNPCL had involved the refinery in the matter. One official pointed out that not all NNPCL fuel is sourced from Dangote, especially since the corporation has its own refineries and still imports fuel from other countries.
The official said, “It was reported that our PMS burn rate is better than any other one, and everybody has been talking about it for months. So, why drag Dangote into the issue? Not all NNPCL fuel comes from our refinery.”
Another source speculated that the NNPCL might be attempting to create controversy by linking the Dangote refinery to the situation. “The NNPCL is just trying to be clever. They’ve been importing fuel—have they come out to say they aren’t? We don’t sell substandard fuel, and Nigerians know that. We don’t need to respond to such a press release. When something is good, it is good, and everyone is confirming that.”
The official added, “Everybody can testify to the quality of our product, and there’s no need to be dragged into unnecessary controversy.”