A Gambian resident living in Germany has publicly accused the Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC) of negligence after a filling station attendant allegedly filled his diesel-powered vehicle with petrol, causing extensive engine damage and leaving him without resolution months later.
Lamin Touray detailed his ordeal to the Alkamba Times in an interview. According to Touray, in June 2025, he purchased a 2015 Nissan Qashqai diesel model for 750,000 Dalasi. The trouble began in November 2025, when an attendant at a GNPC station mistakenly dispensed petrol into the diesel tank.
Touray claims the error led to complete engine failure. The vehicle has remained in GNPC’s custody for repairs since the incident, but he says their mechanic has failed to restore it despite the extended time. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Touray states he sent multiple emails demanding a full refund for the vehicle’s value, but received no response from the company.
“This has caused serious distress to my family,” Touray said. He explained that the car was primarily for his wife to transport their children to school in The Gambia, and for his own use during holiday visits from Germany. He expressed particular disappointment given GNPC’s reputation among many Gambians as one of the country’s leading and most reliable petroleum providers. “My experience has shown the opposite, particularly regarding service delivery and staff accountability,” he added.
Touray emphasized that his goal in sharing the story is to warn other consumers and push for greater responsibility from public-serving companies. “I am now preparing to take legal action against the company to recover my losses,” he stated, indicating the matter may soon head to court.
GNPC has not publicly responded to Touray’s allegations as of the latest reports. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fuel handling practices at service stations, where human error in dispensing the wrong fuel type can lead to costly vehicle damage. Such mistakes are not unique to The Gambia but can result in significant financial and emotional hardship for affected owners.
