NAN
Abuja: Some motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the quality of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, currently being sold.
The motorists shared their experiences in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday. Their concerns highlight growing unease among drivers about the petrol being sold in the FCT.
Mr Simon Uzor alleged that the product burns very quickly and does not last long, causing him to refuel more often than before.
For example, I buy N10,000 worth of fuel, and it no longer covers the return trip between my home in Kubwa and the city centre, as it did before the price increase.
He urged relevant authorities to intensify monitoring of petroleum products to ensure only quality fuel is sold to consumers.
Mr Ojo Ibrahim, a commercial driver operating within the Wuse Area 1 axis, said he had noticed unusual engine performance after buying petrol from a filling station.
“Sometimes when you buy fuel from certain stations, the car begins to behave differently, the engine may knock, or the fuel finishes faster than expected,” he said.
Ibrahim called on regulators to conduct routine checks at filling stations to ensure motorists get value for their money.
Another commercial driver, Abdullatif Isa, said that the fuel in the market now burns faster.
“Due to the nature of my job, I always buy petrol, and I know how long it lasts or the effect.
“Most of my fellow drivers’ vehicles have broken down due to bad petrol, and this has made life more difficult than it already is.
Some can no longer work and have families to support.
Mrs Joy Obinna, a private car owner in Garki, said she had experienced instances in which her vehicle consumed more fuel shortly after refuelling.
“You may buy petrol thinking it will last for a few days, but it finishes faster than usual, which makes motorists worry about the quality,” she said.
Another motorist, Mr Ezekiel Offor, urged authorities to sanction any marketer found selling adulterated fuel, as poor-quality petrol could damage vehicle engines.
A civil servant, Mrs Lydia Emerson, said that before the removal of the oil subsidy, the fuel sold was of high quality and did not damage car engines.
“I can remember before now, we got value for our money, but now the situation is different.
“We now buy fuel at expensive costs, and at zero value, most of us civil servants no longer use our vehicles because of the numerous problems attached to them.
“I urge the government to look into this matter critically. We are suffering in silence, we cannot feel well anymore, transportation is on the high side, among others,” she said.
The regulatory authorities had assured Nigerians that mechanisms were in place to safeguard the quality of petroleum products supplied nationwide.
An official of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said that the agency routinely conducts quality checks on petroleum products at depots and retail outlets.
According to him, the aim is to ensure compliance with national standards.
The official said that fuel quality was tested at different stages of distribution before it reaches consumers.
We conduct regular monitoring and laboratory testing to ensure the petrol sold meets the required specifications.
“Any station found selling substandard or adulterated fuel faces regulatory sanctions,” the official said.
Also speaking on regulatory measures, an official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) said that the company remained committed to maintaining quality control across its supply chain.
According to the official, strict procedures are followed in product handling and distribution to prevent contamination.
Energy analyst Mrs Uloma Amadi said maintaining fuel quality was essential to protecting vehicle engines and sustaining consumer confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
She advised motorists to buy fuel only from reputable stations and promptly report any signs of adulterated fuel to authorities, emphasising that vigilance is key to protecting vehicles and ensuring fuel quality in the market.
