News

Nigeria Faces Fuel Crisis: See The Thousands Tonnes of Substandard Petrol Imported

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 17th, 2024.

Nigeria Faces Fuel Crisis: See The Thousands Tonnes of Substandard Petrol Imported

As fuel shortages continue to grip Nigeria, a new report has uncovered a troubling influx of substandard petrol into the country. The investigation reveals that both the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and independent marketers have been importing off-specification Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Despite promises from the NNPCL to address fuel quality issues, this substandard petrol now represents up to 25% of Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption. According to a report dated September 13, 2024, a total of 261,938 metric tonnes of fuel was imported through major ports including Apapa, Tincan, Lekki, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Warri.

The report indicates that NNPCL received 134,938 metric tonnes of this fuel, while independent marketers brought in 127,000 metric tonnes. These shipments, which have been damaging vehicles, originated from suppliers previously identified for delivering off-specification fuel.

An insider expressed alarm over the situation, noting, “The same dirty petrol that was previously condemned is being brought into the country, exploiting the desperate situation caused by fuel shortages and long queues.”

With ongoing fuel shortages, Nigerians are left with no alternative but to use this substandard product, despite its harmful effects on their vehicles.