Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-20 12:00:45
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has assured the public that all imported fuels undergo comprehensive quality re-certification to ensure their adherence to safety and performance standards. Ayo Cardoso, Coordinator of the South-West Region of NMDPRA, provided this assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, in response to claims by some Lagos residents that petrol currently being dispensed in some filling stations burns faster than usual.
Cardoso emphasized that all imported fuels must undergo rigorous quality recertification and comply with the Standards Organization of Nigeria/Nigerian Industrial Standards (SON/NIS) specifications before being allowed to discharge into the depots. The Research Octane Number (RON) of all Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) imported must also be within the specified minimum limit of 91 to ensure engine performance.
In addressing the concerns of Lagos residents, Cardoso suggested that several factors could contribute to increased fuel consumption in vehicles, such as low tire pressure, dirty air filters, overloading, and poor driving habits. These factors can impact a car’s fuel economy, causing the petrol to burn faster than usual.
Despite these explanations, some Lagos residents continue to allege that the quality of petrol currently being dispensed in some filling stations is subpar, exacerbating their economic hardship. They claim that whether stored in jerry cans or used in a vehicle’s tank, the petrol burns faster than usual, raising concerns about potential tampering with the petrol’s quality and safety risks. For example, a civil servant named Adenike Ayodele expressed worry about the potential dangers associated with the alleged subpar petrol.
It is important for regulatory authorities to address these concerns and ensure that the public has access to high-quality and safe petroleum products. The NMDPRA should continue to monitor and enforce quality standards throughout the importation and distribution process to alleviate the concerns of consumers and uphold the safety and performance of petroleum products in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the NMDPRA is committed to upholding the quality and safety of imported fuels through rigorous recertification processes. While concerns about petrol burning faster than usual persist among some Lagos residents, the authority has attributed this to various factors that impact fuel consumption in vehicles. Nonetheless, it is crucial for the NMDPRA to address public concerns and ensure that imported fuels meet safety and performance standards to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the petroleum industry in Nigeria.
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