The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that all imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will undergo strict quality checks before being released for sale in the country.

This comes as three major oil marketers are set to bring in approximately 141 million litres of imported petrol this week, following the Federal Government’s deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

According to NMDPRA, the imported petrol will be subjected to at least three rigorous tests, ensuring it meets the required standards before it is allowed into the Nigerian market.

These tests will be conducted at the port of entry and at various points to guarantee the safety and quality of the product.

George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the NMDPRA, emphasised the importance of these protocols. “The products must pass through our testing procedures to ensure compliance with the required specifications. Only after meeting these standards will they be authorized for distribution,” he stated.

The marketers importing the fuel noted that each shipment will bring in about 35,000 metric tonnes of PMS. Despite the expected volume, they cautioned that regulatory oversight means that import timelines and distribution may vary.