Consumers Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Influx Of Substandard Fuel, Faults NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has come under criticism over allegations that adulterated and substandard petroleum products continue to enter the Nigerian market.

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Energy Consumers Watch Initiative raised the concerns in a statement issued on Friday, with its President, Alhaji Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim, alleging that blended fuel imported from Dubai and other countries had become a growing threat to consumers and the national economy.

The organisation accused the petroleum regulator of failing to take decisive measures against major marketers allegedly involved in the importation of products that do not meet required quality standards.

Ibrahim described the continued presence of questionable petroleum products in the market as unacceptable, particularly given previous concerns reportedly acknowledged by the regulator regarding the quality of imported fuel.

The group recalled that the NMDPRA had previously warned that marketers found to be involved in the importation or distribution of substandard petroleum products could face restrictions on petroleum supplies.

However, it questioned why stronger enforcement measures had not been taken despite what it described as the continued influx of blended products into the country.

The organisation argued that the issue should no longer be treated as a matter of warnings, insisting that the regulator has a responsibility to protect consumers and enforce existing petroleum standards.

It further described the alleged importation of adulterated fuel as an economic concern, warning that poor-quality petroleum products could damage vehicles and machinery, increase operating expenses and impose additional financial pressure on Nigerians.

The group called on the NMDPRA to strengthen its surveillance and testing of imported petroleum products at ports, storage depots and retail outlets across the country.

It also demanded sanctions against marketers found to have imported or distributed products that fail to meet regulatory requirements, including prosecution where necessary.

The organisation urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of major petroleum marketers allegedly involved in importing blended products and determine whether any regulatory officials had failed to carry out their responsibilities.

According to the group, the matter should be treated as a national economic security concern because of its potential impact on consumers, businesses and confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

The organisation also called for greater transparency in petroleum-product testing, urging the NMDPRA to regularly publish test results and disclose marketers whose products are found to be below the required standards.

It warned that failure to address the allegations could further weaken public confidence in the downstream petroleum industry and undermine efforts to build a transparent and competitive market.

The group maintained that the regulator’s responsibility extends beyond ensuring petroleum supply, stressing that products reaching Nigerian consumers must be safe and compliant with national standards.

It consequently urged the Federal Government to compel the NMDPRA to provide a clear account of the measures being implemented to prevent the importation and distribution of adulterated or substandard petroleum products.