NNPC: We Do Not Import Contaminated Petrol

NNPC: We Do Not Import Contaminated Petrol

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed allegations that it imports adulterated premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, following protests at its Abuja headquarters.

Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, addressed the accusations on Tuesday, urging critics to provide proof of any substandard fuel imported by NNPC. His comments came after civil society groups held demonstrations outside NNPC offices, calling for the resignation of Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), in response to recent petrol price increases.

Soneye emphasized that NNPC adheres to stringent quality standards, stating, “The NNPC Ltd. does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC Ltd.”

The protests followed remarks by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which suggested that any oil marketer selling petrol below Dangote’s prices might be distributing substandard fuel, amid claims that some marketers were offering petrol at prices lower than Dangote’s refinery.

Regarding accusations against Kyari over the price hikes, Soneye clarified that the GCEO is not responsible for fuel price adjustments, noting that Kyari had kept the price at N620 per litre for over a year, despite a higher landing cost of over N1,100. In recent weeks, NNPC raised petrol prices from N855 per litre in September to N998 in October, with further increases to N1,025 in Lagos and N1,050 in Abuja by October 28. Despite public outcry, NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s energy security agenda.

Soneye concluded by reiterating NNPC’s focus on securing Nigeria’s energy future, undeterred by the ongoing protests