Oil marketers have issued a strong response to allegations made by Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding the importation of off-spec petrol into Nigeria. The marketers affirmed that both the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) are responsible for certifying the quality of all imported petrol products.

The claims came after Dangote refinery accused Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and other marketers of bringing in substandard petrol, despite the ongoing deregulation of the downstream oil sector. Dangote further alleged that Pinnacle attempted to blend these substandard products with its “high-quality” fuel.

In response, Pinnacle’s Managing Director, Robert Dickerman, strongly rejected these accusations, calling them defamatory and misleading. Dickerman clarified that his company had entered into a 13-year agreement with Dangote Refinery to distribute its petroleum products through pipelines, a more cost-effective method than shipping by sea or truck.

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Dickerman further explained that the quality of the imported petrol is thoroughly checked through a three-stage testing process. These tests are conducted upon arrival at Atlas Cove, before the product is moved to discharge points, and finally when it is being loaded into storage tanks.

SON confirmed its role in ensuring the quality of the imported petrol, with an official stating that it uses its own laboratory to conduct tests and ensure products meet established regulatory standards.

Additionally, a major oil marketer also refuted the claims of off-spec petrol, elaborating on the extensive laboratory tests carried out by both NMDPRA and the company itself on recent petrol imports.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has addressed allegations circulating in a viral video that it was selling contaminated fuel at one of its retail outlets. NNPCL denied these claims, stating that spot checks had been conducted, and the allegations were found to be false. The company reaffirmed its commitment to strict quality control procedures to maintain the integrity of its products.