Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to investigate claims that petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) burns faster than expected. The demand follows a viral video in which a content creator tested fuel from NNPCL and the Dangote refinery, allegedly proving that NNPC-sourced petrol depletes at a higher rate.
Despite the public outcry, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has defended NNPCL, stating that its fuel meets industry standards.
The controversy began when a content creator conducted an experiment, comparing petrol purchased from an MRS filling station in Alapere, Lagos, at ₦925 per litre and NNPCL fuel bought at Ojodu Berger for ₦945 per litre. He claimed that while the Dangote petrol lasted 30 minutes in a generator, the NNPCL fuel ran out after just 17 minutes.
Reacting to the video, the NNPCL dismissed the claims as misleading and unscientific. In a statement by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the company refuted the allegations, stating that the experiment lacked credibility and professional oversight.
“The NNPCL strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations in the viral video. This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research,” the statement read.
NNPCL also clarified that the petrol purchased from its Ojodu Berger station was sourced from the Dangote refinery, a claim that was denied by refinery officials.
Following the viral video, Nigerians took to social media to demand an independent investigation into the quality of fuel sold in filling stations. Many called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) and NNPCL to conduct controlled experiments to verify the claims.
Social media user @Walemicaiah wrote, “It is actually one of the easiest experiments anyone can try. The FCCPC should supervise a proper test.”
However, others questioned the accuracy of the content creator’s method. “Two different generators were used. To get reliable results, the same generator should be used for both fuels,” @momolesho argued.
Some users insisted that NNPCL petrol burns faster, citing personal experiences. “MRS fuel will trump the NNPC fuel, talking from personal experience,” @Bokanbature1 stated.
Despite public skepticism, PETROAN has backed NNPCL, stating that its independent tests confirm the company supplies high-quality petrol. PETROAN’s spokesman, Joseph Obele, said in a statement that NNPCL’s fuel meets and exceeds regulatory requirements.
“Our tests confirm that NNPCL’s petrol meets the highest industry standards, including density, viscosity, sulfur content, and flash point tests,” Obele said.
PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, urged content creators to be responsible when sharing sensitive information, emphasizing the need for fair competition in the petroleum industry.
With growing concerns among consumers, there are increasing calls for the government to conduct an independent review of the burn rate of petrol supplied by different refineries. Meanwhile, NNPCL continues to insist on the quality of its product, dismissing the viral video as misleading.
As the debate unfolds, the Nigerian public awaits further action from regulators to verify these claims and ensure transparency in the petroleum industry.
