Speaking at Asharami Synergy 2024 Customer Forum, Managing
Director, Foluso Sobanjo, said the company remained dedicated to spearheading
the quest for environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s downstream operations
across the sector’s value chain.
He said the company had since commenced the supply of low
sulfur fuels in line with the Afri-5 specifications prescribed by African
Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) and in compliance with the
provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 which limits the sulfur
content in Gasoil/Diesel to 50ppm (parts per million).
“Given our track record of transparency, integrity, and
service excellence in the sector, we are using this forum to keep our esteemed
customers abreast of new developments in the sector, especially the switch to
the AFRI-5 low-sulphur specification which makes diesel appear lighter. This
does not reduce the quality or performance of the product as all parameters
remain the same as specified by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON),”
he said.
Similarly, Engr. Oluwakayode Oyegoke, Head, Distribution
System Storage Infrastructure, Lagos SW, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream
Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), reassured the public that the new
directive would help reduce pollution and promote the well-being of Nigerians.
He stated: “The NMDPRA would like to commend Asharami
Synergy for providing this platform to help create more awareness and educate
the buying public about the new fuel specifications. The authority would also
like to assure all stakeholders that the products in circulation meet all
requirements for safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. The
industry is evolving, and we have to move with the world towards cleaner
energy. Economically, the transition to low-Sulphur fuels can attract investment,
create jobs, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.”