Officials of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) have opposed the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by major oil marketers, alleging that the imported fuel is of low quality compared to locally refined products.
They stressed that the imports could harm Nigeria’s foreign exchange and introduce toxic fuels into the market.
The Dangote refinery officials argued that the imported petrol, often blended in Malta or Togo, is substandard and could affect Nigerians’ health.
CORAN spokesperson, Eche Idoko, added that local production should focus on export, not importation of poor-quality fuels, while dismissing fears that Dangote could become a monopoly in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority assured that all imported PMS would undergo multiple quality tests before being released for sale in Nigeria, ensuring adherence to proper standards.
(Business Day)