Imported Petrol Passes All SON, NMDPRA Tests Amid Dangote Allegations

Imported Petrol Passes All SON, NMDPRA Tests Amid Dangote Allegations

Oil marketers in Nigeria have affirmed that imported Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, is rigorously tested by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)…….CONTINUE READING 

This response followed recent comments by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, alleging that some marketers had imported substandard fuel into the country.

Earlier this week, Dangote’s refinery raised concerns, cautioning marketers like Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited that deregulation of the downstream sector should not justify the entry of off-spec petroleum products into Nigeria.

On Thursday, Robert Dickerman, Managing Director and CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, denied these claims and clarified that his company adheres to stringent quality checks. He also highlighted a long-term agreement with the Dangote Refinery to distribute refined products through pipelines, a cost-effective alternative to truck or ship distribution.

Quality Assurance at Every Stage
According to Dickerman, SON and NMDPRA perform extensive testing on fuel imports, from arrival at ports to final discharge, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. “We cannot import off-spec products,” he assured, explaining that each shipment is examined by independent inspectors and tested across multiple stages.

An official from SON confirmed, “We perform thorough tests on incoming fuel products to ensure they meet regulatory standards.” The agency utilizes its own lab facilities to confirm product quality before allowing distribution.

Clarification on Dangote Pipeline Proposal
Dickerman also addressed recent statements by the Dangote Refinery that claimed Pinnacle had requested an extension of Dangote’s pipelines to blend imported fuel. Describing these assertions as inaccurate, Dickerman explained that Pinnacle’s goal is to enhance cost efficiency in fuel distribution. Pinnacle and Dangote had previously signed a 13-year pipeline interconnection agreement, a move supported by Dangote through letters facilitating regulatory approvals.

NNPC Debunks Dirty Fuel Claims
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has denied allegations that it distributed adulterated fuel, dismissing recent social media videos as misleading. NNPC assured consumers of its commitment to high-quality products and stringent quality checks at all stages of distribution.