NNPC denies importing 200 million litres of petrol
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has firmly dismissed claims that it recently imported 200 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the company had not imported any quantity of petrol in 2025.
His response follows reports alleging that the national oil company had recently brought in a large supply of the product.
Soneye condemned the report as either “lazy and unprofessional journalism” or a “deliberate, sponsored attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.”
“The claim that NNPC Limited imported over 200 million litres of PMS in February 2025 is completely false, baseless, and a reckless misrepresentation of facts. NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025,” he stated.
The company also emphasized that it does not regulate or oversee fuel imports by private marketers and, therefore, should not be credited with all petrol importation activities. While reaffirming that it has not engaged in petrol imports this year, NNPCL clarified that there are no legal constraints preventing it from doing so if necessary.
He said, “We do not control the import activities of private marketers, nor do we issue import licenses. Attributing all PMS imports to NNPC is not just misleading—it is outright deceptive and irresponsible journalism that ignores basic fact-checking principles.
“While NNPC Limited has not imported PMS in 2025, let it be clear that there is no legal restriction preventing us from doing so if necessary.
“As Nigeria’s foremost energy company, we must ensure energy security. Should any supply shortages arise, NNPC Limited retains the full right and responsibility to step in and import to stabilize the market.”
“NNPC Limited condemned the spread of “misinformation of this magnitude,” noting that it distorts market realities, misleads key stakeholders, and does a “grave disservice to the public.”
The company vowed to take legal measures against those responsible for fabricating and circulating false reports about its operations.
He added, “NNPC Limited will not tolerate the spread of false and malicious reports aimed at undermining its reputation.
“We will take all necessary legal measures to hold accountable those responsible for fabricating and disseminating falsehoods about our operations.
“We strongly urge media organizations to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying facts before publishing misleading narratives.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency and will not be swayed by attempts to manipulate public perception.”
