EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY VARIATIONS OF PETROL, DIESEL, KEROSENE SOURCED FROM A MODULAR REFINERY AND BLACK MARKET

The quality of petroleum products in Nigeria has long been suspected to differ, with serious implications on the performance of kerosene , diesel, and petrol. This study aimed at evaluating the quality of petrol, diesel, kerosene from refinery and black markets in Nigeria. The physicochemical properties of kerosene, diesel, and premium motor spirit or petrol (PMS) were assessed using Ameican Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM) procedures, while heavy metals concentration (Cr, Fe, Ni,and Pb) in these products were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic (AAS) techniques. Results obtained showed that the density, specific gravity, API gravity, and water content of kerosene, diesel, and PMS from the black market were higher than those obtained from the refinery. However, kerosene and diesel from the refinery had higher flash and fire points. The products from the black market had lower pour points of -9 °C (diesel) and -6 °C (kerosene) and lower cloud points of -6 °C (diesel) and -3 °C (kerosene), indicating better suitability for colder climates. The concentrations of heavy metals in the petroleum products revealed that products from the refinery had higher concentrations of Fe (0.410 ppm), Ni (0.084 ppm), and Pb (0.021 ppm), while the black-market products had a higher concentration of Cr (0.167 ppm). This study has shown that the products from the refinery are better and safer than those from the black markets.