1 week ago
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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has dismissed claims that petrol sold by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is substandard, insisting that it meets global quality standards.
The response followed a viral social media video comparing the Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS) from an NNPCL outlet and another from an MRS filling station, which reportedly sells petrol refined by the Dangote Refinery.
In the video, the content creator alleged that the petrol purchased from MRS lasted 13 minutes longer than that from an NNPCL outlet in an informal burn test. The claim has since sparked debate over fuel quality and consumer trust.
However, both NNPCL and PETROAN have refuted the allegations, warning against misinformation and emphasizing that NNPCL’s fuel undergoes stringent quality control measures before being released to the public.
In a statement issued by, Joseph Obele, National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, urged the public to disregard the viral experiment, describing it as misleading and unscientific.
“We are confident in the quality of petroleum products supplied by NNPCL, which adheres to strict industry standards. We urge the public to disregard fabricated content and rely on verified sources for accurate information,” the statement read.
To back its stance, PETROAN stated that independent laboratory tests were conducted on NNPCL’s petrol, proving that it meets the required safety, efficiency, and environmental standards.
According to PETROAN, the NNPCL petrol passed multiple industry-standard tests.
NNPCL has strongly rejected the claims made in the viral video and has threatened legal action against content creators spreading false or misleading information about the company’s products.
“NNPCL remains committed to providing high-quality petroleum products that meet global standards. We urge the public to beware of misinformation and assure consumers that our petrol undergoes strict quality control before distribution.”
Despite ongoing refinery upgrades in Nigeria, NNPCL continues to import petrol, with 159,000 metric tons brought into the country between February 1 and February 12, 2025.
Some industry experts believe that a significant portion of imported petrol contains higher sulfur content, making it cheaper but potentially less environmentally friendly than locally refined alternatives.
Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, National President of PETROAN, urged for healthy competition in the industry, emphasising the need for companies to focus on product improvement, customer satisfaction, and innovation rather than engaging in unverified social media experiments.
“Instead of discrediting competitors, industry players should prioritize improving product quality, investing in research and development, and ensuring better service delivery to consumers,” he said.
Harry also advised content creators to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information, particularly on sensitive matters affecting national interests.
English (US) ·