Matrix Energy Refutes Allegations of Substandard Fuel Imports, Reaffirms Commitment to Quality
WARRI/Nigeria: Matrix Energy Group has firmly denied recent allegations suggesting that the company imported substandard petroleum products into Nigeria, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to quality and regulatory compliance.
In a statement released by the company’s management, Matrix Energy dismissed the report as baseless, asserting that it has consistently adhered to all industry regulations since entering the nation’s oil and gas sector. The company highlighted that it only imports products that meet the stringent specifications set by the Federal Government, and none of its millions of customers have ever reported incidents of purchasing substandard fuel from its outlets across the country.
“Our attention has been drawn to a recent online publication where our name was featured. We would have loved to ignore the tissue of lies spewed in the publication, but the need to set the records straight and address the matter has become necessary to protect and uphold the integrity of the brand and reputation we have meticulously built over the past 20 years,” the statement read.
Matrix Energy Group, an indigenous oil marketing and trading company with significant investments in infrastructure such as vessels, oil and gas terminals, trucks, and retail outlets across 28 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirmed its commitment to quality and reliability. The company stressed that its products are in high demand, often exceeding its supply capacity, which is a testament to its strong reputation in the industry.
The statement further clarified that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is the sole regulatory body responsible for issuing import licenses and enforcing product specifications under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Matrix Energy underscored that it has never been found wanting in meeting these standards, and its products have consistently passed all quality tests.
Addressing specific claims made in the report, the company denied allegations of discharging 200,000 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into its facility in July 2024, stating that while it has the capacity to handle such volumes, it has never imported or distributed substandard fuel in its two decades of operation.
The statement also touched on the introduction of the Utapate crude oil blend by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and noted that Matrix Energy, like other companies, has lawfully participated in the tender process for NNPC’s free crude cargoes.
Matrix Energy’s CEO, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, was also defended in the statement, with the company highlighting his dedication to Nigeria’s progress and his recent appointment to the Economic Coordination Council by President Bola Tinubu as a recognition of his commitment to the country’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Matrix Energy Group remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Nigeria by ensuring the availability of petroleum products at competitive prices, in alignment with Mr. President’s vision for the country,” the statement concluded.