Port Harcourt refinery fully operational, NNPC insists

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has dismissed rumours that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, re-streamed two months ago, has ceased operations. Local media outlets had speculated that the refinery had shut down again following its $1.5 billion rehabilitation.

In a statement released by Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, the company clarified that the refinery remains fully operational.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is ongoing,” Soneye emphasized, debunking reports of a shutdown as “totally false” and describing them as attempts to create artificial scarcity and exploit Nigerians.

NNPC urged the public to disregard such unfounded claims and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products nationwide.

This announcement aims to calm concerns and maintain confidence in the operations of one of Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructures.

Earlier this month, NNPC affirmed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, was fully operational, producing 1.4 million litres daily, with loading operations in full swing, contrary to insinuations in certain quarters.

In response to lingering doubts, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, extended an open invitation to human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, as well as other sceptics, to embark on a tour of the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to verify their operational status firsthand.

In addressing controversies surrounding product blending, Kyari clarified that blending is not a crime but rather an essential component of the refining process.