Pinnacle oil and NNPC deny Dangote’s allegations of importing substandard fuel

Pinnacle Oil refutes Dangote’s claims of substandard fuel imports, defending its rigorous testing processes alongside SON and NMDPRA oversight.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have certified the imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria, according to Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, an oil marketer at the centre of recent allegations.

The clarification comes after Dangote Petroleum Refinery accused local marketers, including Pinnacle, of importing and blending substandard fuel.

Also read: Dangote refinery begins direct petrol sales to marketers, bypassing NNPC

Pinnacle’s Managing Director, Robert Dickerman, categorically refuted these claims on Thursday, emphasising that both SON and NMDPRA rigorously inspect all imports.

He confirmed that Pinnacle has a 13-year interconnection agreement with Dangote Refinery, allowing fuel distribution via pipelines, which is more cost-effective than shipping or trucking.

“Independent inspectors, along with NMDPRA and SON, inspect our products. We cannot bring in off-spec products,” Dickerman asserted.

He detailed the stringent testing involved, from discharge at entry points to final transfer to local tanks. This three-stage testing process includes assessments conducted by NMDPRA-certified laboratories.

Furthermore, NNPC refuted a viral video suggesting that it dispensed “dirty fuel” in bottles or jerrycans, labelling the video as false and affirming that it upholds strict quality standards.

In response to Dangote’s allegations, Dickerman described the statement as “defamatory” and potentially damaging to public perception, reiterating Pinnacle’s adherence to industry standards and national interests.

The company noted that it collaborates closely with regulatory bodies to maintain fuel quality across Nigeria and has substantial investments in pipeline infrastructure to facilitate the efficient distribution of high-quality fuel products from the Dangote Refinery.