Officials from the Dangote Refinery have firmly refuted recent claims suggesting that the controversial fuel allegedly purchased from a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling station originated from their facility.
Speaking exclusively to Sunday PUNCH, the officials, who preferred to remain anonymous, categorically denied any connection between their fuel and the one being criticized. They emphasized that Nigerians have consistently attested to the superior quality of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery, distinguishing it from fuel sourced from other suppliers.
The controversy erupted after a video posted by a content creator went viral, sparking widespread debate among Nigerians regarding the quality and efficiency of petrol sold at different fueling stations. The content creator compared fuel purchased from an MRS Filling Station in Alapere, Lagos, which was priced at ₦925 per liter, with fuel obtained from an NNPCL station at Ojodu Berger, which was sold at ₦945 per liter. To test the fuel efficiency, he poured each type into separate new generators and recorded the results. According to his experiment, the generator using NNPCL’s fuel stopped running after just 17 minutes, whereas the generator powered by Dangote Refinery’s fuel continued operating for a longer period, running for 33 minutes before shutting down.
Following the video's rapid circulation across social media, many Nigerians began sharing their personal experiences, with some supporting the claim of fuel quality discrepancies while others dismissed it as misleading information. However, NNPCL promptly responded to the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and unfounded.
In a strongly worded statement released by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, on Saturday, NNPCL denied selling substandard petrol with a high burn rate. The company argued that the viral video lacked scientific accuracy, as it was not conducted under professional supervision or standardized conditions.
“NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations in the viral video, which claims that our fuel does not last. This assertion is entirely unfounded and based on unverified, amateur research lacking credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight,” the statement read.
The company went on to highlight its commitment to ensuring that its fuel meets global quality standards. It also reassured consumers that its petrol is formulated to optimize engine efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, NNPCL pointed out that a substantial portion of the PMS sold at its Lagos stations, including the Ojodu Berger outlet, is sourced directly from the Dangote Refinery.
“A significant percentage of the Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video originated—comes from the Dangote Refinery, a key partner in supporting local production and energy security. Dangote Refinery adheres to strict industry standards, ensuring high-quality petroleum products for consumers,” the statement further explained.
NNPCL did not stop at debunking the video’s claims; it also suggested that the allegations were part of a deliberate campaign orchestrated by certain individuals with ulterior motives. The corporation described the viral video as a “desperate attempt by economic saboteurs” to mislead the public and damage its reputation.
Warning against the spread of false information, NNPCL stated that it would not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups who deliberately spread misinformation about its operations.
“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians. Moving forward, NNPC Ltd will pursue legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations,[/b]” the statement concluded.
The corporation also urged Nigerians to disregard misleading online content and instead rely on verified sources for accurate information. It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fuel availability, affordability, and quality while upholding global industry standards.
Meanwhile, sources from the Dangote Refinery expressed their concerns over what they perceived as an attempt by NNPCL to involve their company in an unnecessary controversy.
One official from the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that not all petrol sold by NNPCL originates from the Dangote Refinery. He clarified that the corporation still operates its refineries and continues to import fuel from international suppliers, meaning that any issue with fuel quality should not be automatically attributed to Dangote Refinery.
“NNPCL is being clever by attributing the fuel to us while simultaneously giving ‘fake accolades.’ Our PMS has been recognized for its superior burn rate for months, so why subtly drag Dangote into this issue?” the official questioned.
Another source within the Dangote Refinery speculated that NNPCL might be attempting to shift focus away from its own operational challenges by involving the refinery in the ongoing dispute.
“NNPCL may be trying to create a controversy, but it’s unnecessary. They have been importing fuel—have they denied that? They also operate their refineries. We do not sell substandard fuel, and Nigerians know this,” the source stated emphatically.
The official added that the Dangote Refinery does not need to engage in a back-and-forth with NNPCL because the quality of its fuel speaks for itself.
“We won’t respond to such statements. When a product is good, it speaks for itself. The quality of our fuel is undeniable, and Nigerians can confirm that,” the official concluded.