After multiple delays, the Port Harcourt refinery has officially commenced fuel production.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) confirmed this development to our correspondent on Tuesday.
NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye announced, “Port Harcourt Refinery begins production. Truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” during a conversation with our correspondent.
In a statement on X, the NNPC shared: “NNPC Ltd Delivers Port Harcourt Refinery as plant begins truckout of products today, Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 1.45 pm. Watch the commissioning and trucking out event LIVE.”
Reports indicate the refinery will initially operate at a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and other products to the Nigerian market.
This marks the Port Harcourt Refinery as the second facility in Nigeria to produce petrol locally, following the Dangote Refinery, which began PMS production in September. It is one of three refineries owned by the Federal Government and managed by the NNPC.
Nigerians remain optimistic that refining crude domestically will lead to reduced fuel costs and end the reliance on imported refined products.
Located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, the Port Harcourt Refinery has been operational since 1965 but fell into disrepair and was inactive for several years.
In March 2021, the Nigerian government secured a $1.5 billion loan to fund the refinery’s renovation and modernization. However, promises from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC regarding the refinery’s rehabilitation failed on seven previous occasions.
Two months after the latest September 2024 completion deadline was missed, the NNPC provided explanations for the delays last week.
ALSO READ:
- https://www.ktnn.ng/nigerians-disappointed-as-dangote-refinery-fails-to-lower-fuel-prices/
- https://www.ktnn.ng/fuel-price-rises-for-third-time-in-two-months-as-crude-oil-price-declines/
Speaking to our correspondent, Soneye highlighted the challenges of rehabilitating the facility, noting it was a brownfield project.
“You may recall that mechanical completion of the PHRC revamp was successfully achieved several months ago, marking a significant milestone in the project. Following this, we began the commissioning of critical equipment and process units,” he said.
“However, as is common with brownfield projects of this scale and complexity, we encountered unforeseen risks and challenges,” Soneye added.
Despite the setbacks, he assured that the issues were resolved and commissioning activities resumed, paving the way for the refinery’s operations to begin.
Punch
