After multiple delays, the Port Harcourt Refinery has finally resumed fuel production, releasing about one million liters on Tuesday, with plans to supply 200 trucks daily. The refinery, once producing 60,000 barrels per day, has been upgraded with modern equipment and is now operating at 70% of its capacity. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) unveiled the plant, stating that it aims to ramp up capacity to 90%.
The Eleme refinery, with a 150,000 barrel capacity, is still under development, and no timeline for its completion has been provided. Mele Kyari, NNPCL’s CEO, confirmed that other refineries, including Warri and Kaduna, would follow suit. Despite initial reports suggesting the refinery was only blending products, NNPCL clarified that diesel, kerosene, and gasoline were being produced, with blending components to meet specifications.
Marketers, including the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have expressed optimism about the refinery’s return, anticipating job creation, improved competition, and lower fuel prices. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also welcomed the development, viewing it as a positive sign of deregulation and increased competition in the market.
This is a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to reduce its dependence on imported fuel. President Bola Tinubu praised the efforts, urging the acceleration of other refinery projects to enhance domestic production and energy security.
