NNPC Alerts On Adulterated Kerosene In Delta, Edo States

ABUJA, August 18, (THEWILL) - Nigerians, especially those residing in Delta and Edo States, have been advised to desist from buying kerosene from unauthorized outlets and dealers as they run the risk of buying adulterated products that could result in explosions and fire.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, issued this directive today in a statement alerting the Nigerian public of the recent act of vandalism on the Warri - Benin pipeline in which the vandals made away with kerosene adulterated with AGO (popularly known as diesel) and PMS (popularly known as petrol).

"We wish to alert members of the public of the presence of adulterated kerosene in the market, especially in the Warri-Benin axis, as a result of the nefarious activities of pipeline vandals who attacked our Warri - Benin products pipeline and made away with kerosene mixed with AGO and PMS. The vandals may bring the stolen product to the market for sale to unsuspecting members of the public. Such adulterated kerosene could cause explosions and fire accidents.

"The consequences of past kerosene explosions are still very fresh in our minds, we cannot afford to have a repeat of such tragic incidents. We are therefore appealing to members of the public to be vigilant and desist from procuring kerosene from unauthorized dealers and outlets so as to avoid getting the adulterated products into their homes," Dr Ajuonuma stated.

The NNPC spokesman also called on the security agencies and members of the public to ensure the protection of the pipeline network across the country which he described as a "national asset", which when sabotaged could lead to product scarcity, explosion, fire accidents and consequent loss of lives and property.

It would be recalled that the Warri- Benin pipeline was recovered earlier in the month leading to the re-opening of the Benin Depot to receive products from the Warri Refinery which is currently running at 60% capacity.