A Nigerian economist, Kelvin Emmanuel, has attributed the poor performance of petrol sold in the country to weak regulations, inadequate quality control, and the importation of substandard blended fuel products. Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast program, *The Morning Brief*, Emmanuel questioned the effectiveness of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) requires the regulator to maintain functional laboratories at ports of entry to test imported petroleum products before discharge, covering critical parameters such as distillation levels, cloud point, flash point, octane rating, and sulphur content.
Emmanuel emphasized that pricing in the petroleum industry is directly linked to product quality and cast doubt on the authenticity of certificates of quality issued for imported products, suggesting that a forensic audit of these documents might not withstand scrutiny. He alleged that a significant portion of the imported fuel originates from Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent G7 sanctions. According to Emmanuel, these products are blended and refined into naphtha—a base compound unsuitable for direct consumption—before being chemically altered and shipped to Nigeria. He claimed that the sulphur level of these imports often exceeds 800 parts per million, while octane levels are low, causing petrol to burn faster than expected and leading to frequent engine problems.
Referencing a 2020 ECOWAS agreement that set a harmonised sulphur limit of 50 parts per million for petrol sold within the sub‑region, Emmanuel questioned whether the imported products meet this standard. He called for an independent, third‑party audit involving regulators, external auditors, and industry players to test petroleum products and verify compliance with the standards stipulated under the PIA.
Emmanuel’s allegations echo recent comments by entrepreneur Aliko Dangote, who accused oil marketers of importing low‑quality petrol. Dangote highlighted the quality differences between locally refined fuel and imported products, asserting that Nigerians have a choice to purchase better‑quality fuel at a more affordable price. The issue of poor petrol quality in Nigeria has significant implications for the economy and the environment, as low‑quality fuel can increase emissions, cause engine problems, and reduce fuel efficiency. Addressing this problem and ensuring that imported products meet required standards is essential as the government continues to grapple with challenges in the petroleum industry.
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