Nigerians are increasingly opting for petrol from Dangote Refinery, sold through MRS filling stations, over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets due to price differences.
Correspondents who visited filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday observed a sharp decline in patronage at NNPCL retail outlets, while MRS stations experienced long queues.
At the NNPC filling stations along Kubwa Expressway, there were fewer vehicles compared to the heavy congestion at MRS stations, where petrol is sold at 945 naira per litre which is 20 naira cheaper than NNPCL’s 965 naira per litre.
The shift in consumer preference was further fueled by a viral video in which a reviewer claimed that petrol purchased from NNPCL filling stations burns faster than that of Dangote petrol at MRS stations.
However, NNPCL dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unfounded” and threatened legal action against anyone tarnishing its product’s reputation. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also defended NNPCL, asserting that its petrol meets quality standards.
Despite these assurances, many Abuja motorists say they prefer Dangote petrol due to cost-effectiveness and perceived efficiency.
Ali Mohammed, a taxi driver in Abuja, explained his switch:
“I used to buy from NNPC Zone 3, but when I purchase 20 litres at MRS, it lasts longer. Plus, it’s cheaper”
Kunle Abdulrahman, another motorist, shared a similar sentiment:
“Other petrol dries quickly. MRS fuel lasts longer for me, and the price is more favorable.”
A Kubwa resident, Oluwatobi Esther, said she switched to MRS on a friend’s recommendation and has noticed a difference.
Musa Aliyu, the manager of an MRS filling station along Kubwa Expressway, confirmed a rise in patronage:
“Queues at our stations have been unprecedented lately. I think it’s because of the cheaper price and fuel quality”.
Meanwhile, an attendant at an NNPCL station, who spoke anonymously, attributed the low patronage to pricing rather than quality concerns.
“NNPC sells at 965 naira per litre, while MRS sells at 945 naira per litre. If NNPC drops its price to 935 naira you’ll see long queues again. It’ all about price, not quality”.
Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that Dangote petrol is now the “bride of motorists” due to its affordability.
“This is a result of deregulation. Companies are using different pricing strategies to attract customers. Taxi drivers and other motorists prioritize price over quality,” Ukadike explained
Despite repeated attempts, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter.
Meanwhile, other filling stations in Abuja are selling petrol between 970 naira and 1,000 naira per litre, further cementing MRS’s appeal to cost-conscious motorists.
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