Oil marketers in Nigeria have addressed recent allegations from the Dangote Group regarding the importation of substandard fuel into the country.
The marketers defended their sourcing practices, noting that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority certify all petrol imported into Nigeria.
The controversy began when the Dangote Group claimed that dealers imported off-spec petroleum products into the country.
It added that NMDPRA does not have the capacity to test products.
The comment was not well received by marketers, who accused Dangote of trying to stifle competition in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Speaking to journalists, Robert Dickerman, the managing director/chief executive officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, denied Dangote’s claims.
Dickerman pointed out that independent inspectors such as NMDPRA and SON inspect products
His words:
Punch reports that an official from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) confirmed the agency’s involvement in testing imported petroleum products.
The official, who requested anonymity, added that the organisation operates its own laboratory facilities to determine if the commodities meet specifications or not.
Also, a major marketer quoted by the media organisation said there are three testing stages, starting from the port.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) also earlier debunked claims of importing adulterated fuel into Nigeria.
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) announced a drop in the landing cost of fuel.
MEMAN noted that the landing cost of PMS fell to N939.86 per litre on November 1, 2024, from N981 per litre on September 25, 2024.
An investigation by TimesNow.com.ng also showed changes at filling stations, with pump prices adjusting from N1,200 to N1,120 per litre, leaving a margin of N80.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
