The impact of toxic fuel being sold in Nigeria has begun to affect car owners. The Nation investigation showed that sale of the dirty fuel cuts across major and independent marketers.
A victim said she bought petrol from an independent marketer at Magboro on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway but afterwards her vehicle refused to start. On examination, it was discovered the fuel may have been mixed with water.
Other victims, unable to pinpoint the filling stations where they bought fuel, said their vehicles suddenly broke down. But the Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, who also was a victim, said he suspected the adulteration occur between depots and retail outlets or at retail outlets.
According to him, his Sport Utility Vehicle broke down in Osun State shortly after buying fuel in Ibadan. On examination, it was discovered the fuel contained water. He reported to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which The agency assured him it would contact its Ibadan office to fish out such filling stations.
Olawore advised marketers not to adulterate or adjust pumps to sell below the right price. It is important to sell good quality and quantity, adding that DPR must ensure that right quality and quantity are applied to give customers value for their money.
Olawore said: “Reduction in price is welcome but people shouldn’t undersell or adulterate. My suspicion is the problem is not from the shipping. The product comes in as good product. The adulteration, I think, happens at the point of loading at the depot and discharge at the retail outlet. Two things DPR should achieve and ensure filling stations do are: the fuel should be of good quality and good quantity.”
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