Discovery of petrol with methanol: NMDPRA withdraws product, increases supply nationwide

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has intensified efforts at increasing the supply of petrol into the market nationwide in order to bridge any unforeseen supply gap following the discovery of petrol with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification.

In a statement given to Persecondnews.com on Tuesday, NMDPRA  said the source supplier had been identified and appropriate actions would be taken by the Authority and NNPC Ltd against the supplier.

NMDPRA explained that Methanol, a regular additive in petrol and usually blended in an acceptable quantity, was discovered in the supply chain.

NMDPRA also said to ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market including the loaded trucks in transit.

The statement said: “The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (The Authority) wishes to inform the general public that limited quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as Petrol, with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification was discovered in the supply chain.  

“To ensure vehicular and equipment safety, the limited quantity of the impacted product has been isolated and withdrawn from the market, including the loaded trucks in transit.

“Our technical team in conjunction with NNPC Ltd and other industry stakeholders will continue to monitor and ensure quality petroleum products are adequately supplied and distributed nationwide.

“The source supplier has been identified and further commercial and appropriate actions shall be taken by the Authority and NNPC Ltd.’’

It said NNPC Ltd and all Oil Marketing Companies have been directed to sustain sufficient distribution of petrol in all retail outlets nationwide.