Numerous number of Nigerian motorists, the sight of long, winding queues at petrol stations has become an all-too-familiar routine.
However, a combination of cheap and long lasting petrol has now left drivers waiting hours to fill their tanks at MRS,Heyden and Ardova Plc Petroleum.
These three prominent petroleum stations in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector have a bulk purchase agreement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery, allowing them to lift petroleum products from the Dangote refinery facility.
A recent video released by a male influencer claiming to show the superiority of the petrol from the Dangote refinery over that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has generated controversies across stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
A video posted online on tiktok claimed that Dangote-refined petrol sold by MRS Oil lasts longer than the PMS available at NNPC stations and is more affordable.
He then tested both fuels in identical new generators, noting that the NNPCL-sourced fuel lasted 17 minutes, while the Dangote fuel ran for 33 minutes.
The video quickly generated reactions, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences regarding fuel quality from different suppliers.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and regulatory bodies insist that all petrol sold in the country meets the required standards.
“It is important to emphasise that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) 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,” Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, said.
This is the second price reduction in the new year, and the third one in a space of two months.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently reduced the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians,” Dangote refinery further said.