The Port Harcourt Refinery, which recently resumed operations, is reportedly producing refined petroleum products but has yet to commence distribution to the public.
An anonymous source disclosed to newsmen that the delay in product loading stems from pricing issues. According to the source, the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) per litre from the refinery is higher than that of the Dangote Refinery, necessitating adjustments to remain competitive.
“We are producing, but we are not loading. From what I gathered, the pricing of PMS from our refinery is higher than that of Dangote, and this needs to be addressed,” the source stated.
In response to circulating rumors about a potential shutdown, the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) dismissed such claims. PETROAN spokesperson, Dr. Joseph Obele, clarified in a statement on Saturday that the refinery is functional and operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to increase this to 90%.
“The old Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational and producing refined petroleum products. Contrary to speculations, it is neither a blending plant nor unproductive,” the statement read.
Obele further explained that the operational plant is the older facility, built in 1965, with a production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. This facility had ceased operations over 21 years ago but is now back online. Meanwhile, the newer Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, remains under rehabilitation and is expected to begin operations soon.
He urged stakeholders and doubters to engage directly with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for clarification or a facility tour, rather than propagating unverified information.
The PETROAN statement also highlighted a recent visit by NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari and stakeholders to the refinery on November 26, 2024, to verify its current functionality and capacity.
Efforts are ongoing to address the pricing discrepancies and ensure seamless distribution to meet public demand.
