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The rising concern over the quality of petroleum products sold by dealers in the downstream sector has made motorists seek alternatives, resulting in long queues at some filling stations while others are empty. DAMILOLA AINA, HUSSAINI IBRAHIM, DENNIS NAKU, and ADEMOLA ADEGBITE examine the motorists’ claims
The ongoing drama between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken an intriguing new turn. The focus has shifted from the long-standing issues of crude availability, equity financing, and skeletal product offtake to a growing public dissatisfaction with the price and perceived quality of petroleum products offered by the two oil firms.
The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, contrary to their usual sentiments, Nigerians are now opting to join long queues of vehicles to buy petrol from a particular station – MRS filling station. This marks a new low, signaling a deeper frustration with NNPCL’s offerings.
This was how it started. Last week, a video surfaced online comparing the burn rate of the petrol produced by the Dangote refinery and that of NNPCL, which concluded that the petrol from the NNPCL doesn’t last long in fuel tanks.
This was a month after an X user, @Uncle Dips mentioned that his car, a Ford, has used only a quarter of its fuel purchased from MRS despite driving 110km.
Our correspondents report a content creator’s claim of buying a litre of Dangote petrol from the MRS filling station in Alapere, Lagos, at N925 and the same litre from NNPCL in Ojodu Berger at the rate of N945.
According to him, he poured the fuel into separate power generators, and the one running on NNPCL fuel stopped after 17 minutes, while the Dangote petrol lasted until 30 minutes.
When the video sparked debates among Nigerians, the NNPCL reacted by debunking the claims and revealing the petrol bought from its station was sourced from the Dangote refinery.
The NNPCL spokesperson said the video contradicted itself, given that both fuels were from the Dangote refinery.
“It is important to emphasize that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security.
“Dangote refinery adheres to strict industry standards, guaranteeing the quality of petroleum products supplied to our consumers,” NNPCL declared.
The statement added, “The NNPC Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in a viral video circulating online, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last.
“This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight. We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians.
“Henceforth, NNPC Ltd will take firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations.”
This development has nonetheless stirred controversy among Nigerians, with many arguing that a monopoly was central to NNPC’s role until Dangote entered the market.
However, it seems the damage has already been done, as more Nigerians are now embracing the reality of improved quality, with some eager to make comparisons. As a result, large crowds of Nigerians besiege MRS petrol stations across various states, keen to see for themselves.
Although long queues of vehicles waiting for fuel to carry out daily activities have become a common sight in the country in recent years, even after the abolishment of the subsidy regime, no Nigerian could have predicted a day when people would endure the harsh heat of the sun, eagerly queuing for their turn to be served what they describe as quality fuel.
These unusual scenes were verified after visits to several MRS-owned stations across the country, where queues were recorded in a series of videos shared on social media platforms.
In one of the videos posted by @ chude__ on Wednesday, the recorder said there was no scarcity and that the queue had surfaced because an influencer did a comparison video of both fuels leading to more people coming to MRS for purchase.
A fact-finding mission in the Federal Capital Territory uncovered the same situation. At the MRS stations along Airport Road and in Gwarimpa, drivers were candid about why they preferred to wait in line.
One driver, Mr Sanusi, who spoke with one of our correspondents, burst into laughter when asked why he chose to queue. He explained that his decision was based on personal experience and the noticeable difference he observed after a trip to Kano and back.
“Are you not aware of what is going on in this country,” he asked. “Can I give you my experience? I travelled to Kano last week from Abuja and I bought N52,000 fuel from NNPCL and embarked on the journey, as I was approaching my gate, my car tank flashed red and I had to park the car and use a motorcycle to go home.
“As I was coming back, I went to MRS in Kano and bought N45,000 fuel which took me to my house in Apo safely and I still had over a quarter of fuel in my tank. This is my own experience. It wasn’t because of any video. I can say that their meter is absolutely correct and the quality is another advantage.
“A N30 difference in price is another thing too. Nobody told me anything. I just experienced it myself. It was after my trip that I saw the video last week and even commented that it was true. NNPCL just did a rebuttal because they had to but it’s true. Henceforth I don’t mind joining a long queue to get fuel.”
Another driver, Mustapha, listening to the conversation interjected, “Woah, you can see the difference is clear. I also don’t mind staying too.”
The third driver who didn’t give his name said, “This is the first time I am coming and it is because someone told me that there is a difference in fuel quality and I am only here to confirm it. In fact, that is the reason why I am here today, I intentionally said I don’t mind to queue so I can just test this.
“There are other filling stations around here, see Bovas. In fact, I passed in front of them to turn back. So I really want to see and have the experience. They say the fuel quality is good. I just don’t want to put any type of fuel in my car again. The price is even N945 and you are asking me why am I queuing. It’s worth it.”
Motorists in Kano have expressed their preference for MRS filling stations, citing lower fuel prices and, for some, superior fuel quality.
Despite long queues under the scorching sun, many drivers say they are willing to wait to fill their tanks at MRS.
When Sunday PUNCH visited the MRS filling station in Tarauni, along State Road, Kano, several motorists shared their reasons for choosing the station over others.
A Kano resident, Nura Lawan, said MRS currently offers the lowest fuel prices compared to other filling stations in the city.
He also claimed that the quality of MRS fuel is superior to others.
“If I buy fuel worth N5,000 here at MRS, it lasts much longer compared to fuel from other stations. You can see that over 20 cars are ahead of me, despite my early arrival,” he said.
Lawan added that he prefers MRS over other filling stations, which is why he is willing to endure the long queue under the hot sun.
Similarly, Malam Ismail Umar, a Keke Napep rider, said he chose MRS because of its low fuel price.
“I came here because they sell a litre at N945. In life, we always go for what is more affordable,” he said.
However, when asked about fuel quality, Umar stated that he couldn’t confirm if MRS fuel was better than others.
He emphasized that the low price was his only reason for choosing the station.
A Golf driver, Ibrahim Ibrahim, also confirmed that he prefers MRS due to its lower price. However, when asked how MRS fuel compares in quality to NNPC and other stations, he said he couldn’t determine which had the best quality.
Similarly, some motorists in Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed satisfaction with the litre of MRS Petrol Station within the metropolis.
Aina Adetunji, Yemi Akinkunmi, and Clement Orji, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH separately at Ojoo; Iwo-Road, and Agodi-Gate, said a litre of MRS petrol was okay, unlike other private filling stations.
According to Adetunji, “The filling station may look somehow, but their litre is known to be the best within this area. If you want to discover this, use a gerrycan to confirm it.”
Akinkunmi, in his own submission, said, “The management of this petro station needs to work on it, I mean the renovation. MRS filling station is the best but the station looks filthy. I normally buy my fuel there. If I’m permitted, I will mention these filling stations one after the other as they are so bad. As their litres are giving us a serious headache as transporters.”
Orji stated, “You know I am a transporter, we know the petrol stations that are okay. Sometimes we use jerrycan to know if they are okay or not. The only problem with MRS is the structure in this place. They should make it attractive. The litre is superb.”
Motorists in Port Harcourt have expressed their preference for MRS fueling stations due to the relatively low price of fuel and the quality of their meters.
One of our correspondents noticed that some of the MRS fueling stations in certain locations around Port Harcourt weren’t open for operation at the time of filing this report.
Despite this closure, some motorists at the Mile 3 park in Port Harcourt confirmed to our correspondent that MRS fueling stations offer a competitive advantage over other fueling stations in the area.
Paul, a commercial driver stated, “We buy fuel from their fueling station steadily. We buy because of the price. Previously, they sold at the rate of N1,250 – N1,300, while others were selling at the rate of N1,350 – N1,400. Their fuel lasts longer than other fueling stations.
Another motorist who identified himself simply as Ifeanyi echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Why I normally buy fuel from MRS fueling station is because of their meter. Their meter is okay for me, that’s the first reason. And secondly, their price. They have a little lower price compared to others. Their price is okay to me. Their fuel quality is okay as well.
“It’s been up to two weeks since I last bought fuel from the MRS fueling station opposite Mile 3 park in Port Harcourt. They locked the place and when I asked the manager, he told me that they don’t have products for now”.
The public’s growing skepticism about the quality of NNPCL fuel and its high prices has paved the way for a shift in consumer loyalty, with many turning to competitors for what they perceive as a better value.
This unfolding shift in consumer behavior is reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape, as trust, affordability, and quality become pivotal in determining where Nigerians fuel up against the old scenario of a beggar with no choice.
Reflecting on the viral video on Tuesday, the Group Chief Executive of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, talked about the existence of substandard fuel in the country, describing it as unfortunate drama and bad marketing practice.
Speaking while fielding questions at a fireside chat during the 60th Nigeria Mining & Geosciences Society Conference in Abuja, Kyari said the NNPC and indeed the country do not have any quality issues in its petrol across the country.
He said PMS has quality standards that are obtainable in every country, and there are no two countries that have the same standards.
Citing an example, Kyari said in Europe, oxygenate (a fuel additive) has to be introduced into PMS; otherwise, it will solidify the tank in people’s cars. But if the same fuel additive is introduced into cars in Nigeria, it turns to water once it comes into contact with air.
In essence, Kyari said what is required by law to be introduced in one country is also required by law not to be introduced in another country.
Although the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority has clarified that products sold in the country are of the right quality, experts have called for an independent probe on the grades supplied by all players in the sector.
