By Shakrullah Owolabi
The importation of contaminated petrol by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into the Nigerian market has sparked outrage among motorists and consumers.
Some of the motorists who spoke to Borderless News also expressed fear of the possibility of the off-Spec fuel causing permanent damage to vehicle engines.
They said if not urgently addressed, the situation was capable of further pushing more Nigerians below the poverty net.
‘‘Should my vehicle be damaged as a result of this contaminated fuel, who will bail me out? How do I feed my family and other family members that depend on me for survival, said Mufu Akande, a transporter who plies CMS to Ajah,’’
However, the National Operations Controller of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Mike Osatuyi, disclosed that the contaminated product is being mopped up, a development that has caused disruption in the distribution chain.
‘‘The impact is more quickly in Lagos because of its huge demand and consumption of petrol. Any disruption in the distribution chain is almost an immediate reaction unlike what obtains in other parts of the country.
The NNPC is doing its best at this critical time and we believe the effort will yield a positive action soon. I implore Nigerians to be patient and not engage in any form of panic buying,’’.
Some of the filling stations affected are Total, Ardova, Enyo, Pinnacle, among others.
Sources said there is panic buying in some trusted stations amidst NNPC’s efforts to recall the contaminated petrol from circulation.
A video online shows a petrol attendant complaining about how the adulterated petrol dispensed at the station damaged cars and motorcycle engines.
While pointing at some of the grounded vehicles, he said many motorists have reported the matter to the police. NNPC spokesman, Garba-Deen Mohammed, could not be reached for comment at the time filing this report.
