Dangerous fuel: NNPC moves against product importer, Teams up with NMDPRA for remedy

A collaboration has begun between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has commenced to track the dangerous Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly imported into the country.

The abrupt stoppage of the distribution and recall of the already distributed products, said to contain a high level of sulfur, have been adduced as the reason for the current scarcity, besetting the country.

NMDPRA, otherwise known as The Authority, while speaking on the development in a statement, confirmed the early fears of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), admitting that the products hitherto circulated were laced with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification, as was discovered by officials through the supply chain.

The statement, read: “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (The Authority) wishes to inform the general public that – limited quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as Petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.

“Methanol is a regular additive in Petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity. To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit.

“Our technical team in conjunction with NNPC Ltd and other industry stakeholders, will continue to monitor and ensure quality petroleum products are adequately supplied and distributed nationwide.

“The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the Authority and NNPC Ltd. NNPC Ltd and all Oil Marketing Companies have been directed to sustain sufficient distribution of Petrol in all retail outlets nationwide. Meanwhile, NNPC has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of Petrol into the market in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap.”