Fuel War! NNPCL, Dangote Refinery Clash Over Quality Concerns

The fuel quality dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery has intensified, with both entities trading accusations over claims of substandard petrol.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dangote Refinery officials have denied allegations that a questionable batch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) originated from their facility. Speaking anonymously to Sunday PUNCH, they insisted that Nigerians could distinguish their fuel’s superior quality based on real-world performance.

The debate escalated following a viral video in which a content creator tested petrol from different stations. According to his findings, a litre of fuel from an MRS Filling Station in Alapere, Lagos—allegedly sourced from Dangote Refinery—powered a generator for 33 minutes, while a litre from an NNPCL station in Ojodu Berger lasted only 17 minutes.

NNPCL Dismisses Allegations

In response, NNPCL rejected the claims, calling the video unreliable and unscientific. The company’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, issued a statement dismissing the accusations:

“NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading claims in the viral video suggesting that NNPC fuel does not last. These assertions are baseless, lacking in credibility, and originate from amateur, unverified research.”

NNPCL assured consumers that its fuel meets high-quality standards for efficiency and environmental sustainability. The company also clarified that Dangote Refinery supplies a significant portion of the PMS sold at its Lagos stations.

“A large percentage of the PMS sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this misleading video originated—is sourced from Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner committed to local production and energy security,” the statement read.

NNPCL further warned that it would take legal action against those spreading misinformation.

“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining our operations and misleading Nigerians. Moving forward, NNPC Ltd will take firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations.”

Dangote Refinery Fires Back

Despite NNPCL’s clarification, sources from Dangote Refinery expressed frustration over being implicated in the controversy.

One official questioned why the corporation would simultaneously attribute the disputed fuel to them while acknowledging their product’s superior performance.

“It’s widely acknowledged that our PMS burn rate is better than others. So why is Dangote Refinery being subtly dragged into this issue?”

Another insider speculated that NNPCL might be stirring unnecessary controversy.

“NNPCL seems to be creating a diversion, but it’s unnecessary. Have they denied importing fuel? They also have their refineries. We don’t sell substandard fuel, and Nigerians know that.”