Marketers Reply Dangote Refinery Over Alleged Importation of Substandard Fuel
- Dangote Group recently raised concerns that off-spec petroleum products were imported into the country by marketers
- Marketers have responded to the allegation and confirmed that government agencies test the products before distribution
- Dangote refinery has consistently stressed that there is no need for importation as it has enough product
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Dave Ibemere, a journalist at Legit.ng, has been reporting on business for over ten years. He has deep knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stock market, and general market trends.
Oil marketers in Nigeria have addressed recent allegations from the Dangote Group regarding the importation of substandard fuel into the country.
The marketers defended their sourcing practices, noting that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority certify all petrol imported into Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
The controversy began when the Dangote Group claimed that dealers imported off-spec petroleum products into the country.
It added that NMDPRA does not have the capacity to test products.
The comment was not well received by marketers, who accused Dangote of trying to stifle competition in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Oil marketers deny importing substandard product
Speaking to journalists, Robert Dickerman, the managing director/chief executive officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, denied Dangote's claims.
Dickerman pointed out that independent inspectors such as NMDPRA and SON inspect products
His words:
"We can’t bring in off-spec products into this country.”
Punch reports that an official from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) confirmed the agency's involvement in testing imported petroleum products.
The official, who requested anonymity, added that the organisation operates its own laboratory facilities to determine if the commodities meet specifications or not.
Also, a major marketer quoted by the media organisation said there are three testing stages, starting from the port.
"I am aware that the NMDPRA conducts tests on all imported products. They took a sample from our recent import while it was still on the mother vessel at Atlas Cove, before it was transferred to Apapa.
"At the point of discharge, another sample was taken before we were allowed to store it in our tanks. The NMDPRA has certified laboratories they rely on, and while we also have our own lab, they require their own certification before approving any product.
"The testing process includes three stages: first, when the vessel arrives in Nigeria at Atlas Cove; second, at the point of discharge, before it’s allowed into our storage tanks; and finally, on the day we begin loading, they conduct yet another test."
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) also earlier debunked claims of importing adulterated fuel into Nigeria.
Fuel price crashes by N80
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) announced a drop in the landing cost of fuel.
MEMAN noted that the landing cost of PMS fell to N939.86 per litre on November 1, 2024, from N981 per litre on September 25, 2024.
An investigation by Legit.ng also showed changes at filling stations, with pump prices adjusting from N1,200 to N1,120 per litre, leaving a margin of N80.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
