Dangote vs NNPC: Viral video on petrol standard lacks scientific proof — Experts 

A recent video released by a certain male influencer claiming to show the superiority of petrol from the Dangote refinery over that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been widely criticised by experts in the field.

The Chairman Energy Transition Study Group of Nigeria Gas Association, Olabode Sowunmi CEO Cabtree, in his reaction to the development, noted that the idea that hydrocarbons (Petrol) from a certain refinery of the same chemical composition will behave differently under the same conditions is not scientific.

“In the absence of any additional information, I can authoritatively say this experiment is scientifically impossible,” he stated.

Speaking further, Sowunmi said, “You need some knowledge of chemistry to understand this but this is it: All petrol, irrespective of grade or source, falls within a range of Carbon atoms content (per molecule of the compound which is PMS). 

“Chemically, that is the C4-C12 group meaning 4-12 carbon atoms per molecule of the compound. So, irrespective of which one, they will behave alike. 

“Now, the combustion of petrol to produce the energy that powers the generator must be consistent for it to be science.

“This is because all chemical reactions including the combustion of hydrocarbons, will be repeatable under the same conditions.”

Continuing, the expert likened the comparison between Dangote and NNPC products to choosing water certified to be clean from Nestle over that of Guinness.

“It is like saying water certified to be clean and pure from Nestle is better than the same water from Guinness. That’s not scientific. It could make nice material for a fiction novel. It could be a useful line for propaganda but it is not scientifically correct.

“For perspective, water boils at 100 degrees at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP). So it doesn’t matter if it is in Alaska or Cape Town or Potiskum. At 100 degrees STP, water will boil! And it can be repeated anywhere once the conditions are met. That is science,” he added.

Another energy expert, Ademole Henry Adigun, explained that the timeline for combustion can’t ever be that much, saying unless you use vapor in one and real petrol in another. 

“No matter the type of fuel and additives, you cannot get a 2-minute burn difference. At best, with all things equal, load and others, best you get 30 seconds,” he stated. 

An advertising practitioner and author, Mr. Dave Chukwuji, in his reaction, noted that the viral video is not only inappropriate but also offensive and unethical. 

He maintained that the influencer is participating in comparative or combative advertising, commonly known as “knocking copy,” which is loosely described as ads that directly compare the promoted brand with one or more rival brands in a way that is clear to the audience. 

“By doing so, he is igniting an advertising rivalry that benefits neither the brands involved nor the consumers.

“In today’s digital landscape of social media, where the ability to broadcast information is accessible to anyone with a camera phone, individuals have largely become citizen journalists. 

“If this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to widespread panic and discontent due to misinformation, disinformation, or blatant propaganda. 

“This situation must be addressed, particularly considering the significance of PMS to the life and economy of Nigeria,” he stated. 

In a similar development, Dr Ikuforiji Adedamola, while berating the claim, explained that a proper energy content analysis in a laboratory should have been run instead of the social media campaign aimed at deceiving the public.

He said: “We should see the datasheet of petrol sold by the different entities for a technical evaluation of these claims. 

“Unfortunately, we don’t seem to believe so much in scientific determination of issues. If not, by now, someone should have run a proper energy content analysis in a laboratory rather than the social media campaigns to deceive a public that has no understanding of octane ratings, operating conditions, and other parameters that affect fuel consumption. 

“And a public that is ready to pour ‘premium petrol’ into 20-year-old cars.”

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