For now, the Port Harcourt Refinery continues limited operations as the upgrade progresses.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed a reduction in operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, citing ongoing upgrades to the facility. The clarification follows reports suggesting the refinery had ceased operations entirely.
Moyi Maidunama, the Executive Director of Operations at the Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), addressed journalists during a December 1 tour of the refinery. He emphasized that while operations had decreased, the facility remains functional.
“We are evacuating refined products from the refinery, and this process will continue,” Maidunama said. “Today, we have loaded several trucks and plan to load many more. The reduction in operations is due to necessary improvements being carried out. We are managing the process with the available trucks and loading arms, and the situation should improve soon.”
Molokwuu Joel, the Terminal Manager of the Port Harcourt Depot, corroborated Maidunama’s remarks, adding that the refinery had already resumed product distribution, including premium motor spirit (PMS), kerosene, and diesel.
“Our loading arms are operational, and we have been urging petroleum marketers to bring their trucks,” Joel said. “We can evacuate 100 trucks in less than five hours. The issue is not on our end but with tanker drivers, as many did not show up over the weekend. After persistent efforts, some trucks arrived this morning.”
The comments followed by reports claiming that operations at the refinery were “shut down” except for the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), which produces naphtha, kerosene, and diesel. The report also highlighted that the CDU is unable to produce the key component required for premium motor spirit (PMS).
According to unnamed sources cited by REPORT AFRIQUE, the CDU’s current production volumes are insufficient to meet public demand. The sources noted that while the processing plant has a 150,000 barrels-per-day capacity, full-scale operations will only commence in 2026, pending the availability of funding.
The upgrade project, reportedly exceeding $2 billion, is critical for the refinery’s long-term functionality. NNPCL management has assured stakeholders that ongoing adjustments aim to enhance the refinery’s performance and product output.
For now, the Port Harcourt Refinery continues limited operations as the upgrade progresses.
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