Some motorists in Federal Capital Territory have expressed concern about the quality of Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petrol currently being sold at filling stations.
The motorists shared their experiences during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday stating that the fuel appears to burn faster and does not last as long as it used to.
One of the motorists Simon Uzor alleged that the petrol presently sold in some stations finishes unusually quickly. He explained that the amount of fuel that previously lasted longer now runs out faster even when used for the same daily routine.
Uzor who resides in Kubwa said that before the increase in petrol prices the fuel he purchased usually lasted longer compared to what he experiences now. He called on authorities to strengthen monitoring to ensure that only quality petroleum products are sold to consumers.
A commercial driver Ojo Ibrahim operating along the Wuse and Area 1 route also reported unusual engine behaviour after purchasing fuel from some filling stations. According to him vehicles sometimes begin to knock or perform poorly after refuelling.
Another driver Abdullatif Isa said many drivers had observed similar problems adding that some vehicles had even broken down due to suspected bad petrol. He explained that such issues have made life more difficult for commercial drivers who rely on their vehicles for daily income.
A private car owner Joy Obinna living in Garki said she noticed that her vehicle consumes more fuel shortly after refuelling. She said the situation has raised concerns among motorists about the quality of fuel being sold.
Another motorist Ezekiel Offor urged regulators to sanction marketers found selling adulterated fuel warning that poor quality petrol can damage vehicle engines.
Reacting to the complaints the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said it regularly conducts quality checks on petroleum products at depots and filling stations to ensure compliance with national standards.
An official of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also stated that the company follows strict procedures during product handling and distribution to prevent contamination.
Energy analyst Uloma Amadi noted that maintaining fuel quality is essential to protect vehicle engines and sustain consumer confidence in the downstream petroleum sector. She advised motorists to buy fuel from reputable stations and report suspected cases of adulteration to authorities.
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