PETROAN clarifies that the Port Harcourt Refinery is functioning at 70% capacity, countering widespread speculations about its operational status.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) reports that the old Port Harcourt refinery is now functioning at 70% of its installed capacity, with intentions to increase this to 90%.
The association stated that this contradicts the speculation from many critics, who have been circulating claims that the revamped and renowned refinery is merely a blending plant and unproductive.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced on Tuesday that the Port Harcourt refinery has started refining crude oil.
In a statement titled “Stop the Rumors: Port Harcourt Old Refinery is Operational and Producing Crude Oil By-Products,” signed by spokesperson Joseph Obele on Thursday, PETROAN emphasized that it has direct access to the facility with management’s authorization as part of its oversight duties.
It urged anyone questioning the operational status of the plant to reach out to NNPC management for a facility tour, instead of spreading false information.
The statement also noted, “It’s crucial to mention that the currently operational plant is the old refinery with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, the new Port Harcourt refinery, which has a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day and is still undergoing rehabilitation will begin production soon as announced by NNPCL management. Both refineries are located within the same complex at Alesa Eleme in Rivers State.”
The original Port Harcourt refinery, constructed in 1965, ceased production more than 21 years ago. Meanwhile, the newer Port Harcourt refinery halted operations in 2019.
The Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, led by Distinguished Sen. S A Kawu Sumaila, OFR Ph.D., along with stakeholders and members of the host community, confirmed the authenticity of production at the Port Harcourt refinery. On Thursday, November 28th, 2024, as part of a fact-finding mission and investigation visit to both the Port Harcourt refinery and depot in Alesa Eleme allowed them to see firsthand operations.
The Senate committee observed the operational status of the plant and witnessed petroleum trucks loading at the Port Harcourt refinery depot. Notably, PETROAN’s national leadership, headed by National President Dr. Billy Hary, attended the committee’s visit to welcome them and convey PETROAN’s readiness to begin loading operations at the facility.
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PETROAN expressed that the right course of action is to praise the NNPCL management team, headed by Engr. Mele Kyari, for successfully reviving a plant that had been inactive and neglected for over 21 years. PETROAN rates Engr. Mele Kyari’s achievement in bringing back to life this refinery—a facility abandoned long before his tenure as NNPC head—as an excellent performance.
PETROAN is confident that Nigeria’s vision can be realized and urges all Nigerians to show patriotism by supporting Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda. Together, we can make Nigeria thrive once more.
NNPC Retail Ltd has officially declared the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery to be #1,030 per litre. Additionally, PETROAN was informed that the product request portal is now open for bookings and requests.
Meanwhile, PETROAN’s strategic pricing team is currently analyzing the most favorable prices for its members as they remain open to engaging with all refineries in Nigeria. Additionally, PETROAN urges NNPC Retail Ltd to further reduce prices so Nigerians can enjoy a joyous Yuletide celebration.
Finally, PETROAN endorses the proposed plan to privatize the state-owned refineries promptly and in a manner that ensures credibility and transparency. Afterward, these facilities should be transferred to a reputable private firm with both financial capability and technical expertise.
The deteriorating state of the Eleme East-West Road is particularly concerning, posing a significant threat to both lives and property. This poor condition endangers petroleum trucks transporting flammable products from refinery depots.
PETROAN urges the Federal Ministry of Works, which awarded the project to RCC, to expedite the ongoing road repairs.
