The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed claims suggesting the Port Harcourt Refinery is not producing fuel.
The company, in a statement issued late Monday, reaffirmed that the 60,000-barrel-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery is operational and producing fuel daily.
This clarification followed what the NNPC described as “misleading allegations” from certain individuals, which it deemed unsubstantiated.
The NNPC expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, noting the refinery’s successful restart marks a breakthrough after years of challenges.
“Refinery Running at 70% Capacity – NNPC”
The NNPC disclosed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity.
The company added that there are plans to ramp up production to 90% soon.
Daily production figures from the refinery include 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol), 900,000 liters of kerosene, 1.5 million liters of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 2.1 million liters of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
In addition, the refinery produces Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and uses blending components from Indorama Petrochemicals to meet fuel specifications.
“Blending is a standard global refinery practice,” the NNPC noted.
The statement stressed that the refinery’s outputs are not only significant but also contribute to Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
“New Refinery Nears Completion”
The NNPC also revealed progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery.
Although specific dates were not provided, the company hinted that operations at the new facility would commence soon.
This, it said, would further boost local refining capacity, reducing dependence on fuel imports.
The NNPC praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, crediting it for driving energy sector reforms and delivering “significant dividends to the nation.”
“NNPC Hits Back at Critics”
In a strongly worded message, the NNPC warned against what it called “malicious attacks” on the company’s progress.
“These false claims do nothing but undermine the significant strides being made by the NNPC and Nigeria,” the statement read.
The NNPC urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts in building a stronger energy sector instead of spreading unverified information.
“This is a time for unity and support, not divisiveness,” the company said.
“Historic Milestone in Refinery Operations”
The restart of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is considered a major milestone, particularly after years of operational setbacks.
For decades, Nigeria has struggled to refine its crude oil locally, relying heavily on fuel imports despite being Africa’s largest oil producer.
The revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a step toward reversing this trend, with the NNPC aiming for self-sufficiency in fuel production.
“A Call for Progress and Patience”
The NNPC concluded its statement with a call for patience and understanding.
“As we make these advancements, we ask Nigerians to remain steadfast and continue to trust in our collective ability to overcome challenges,” said Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC.
He described the achievements at the refinery as evidence of a “new dawn” in Nigeria’s energy sector.
