The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has firmly denied media reports claiming that the newly refurbished Port Harcourt Refinery has shut down.
In a press release issued by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, the company emphasized that the refinery is fully operational and dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
The controversy arose when reports emerged suggesting that the refinery had halted operations on December 13, 2024.
Observers noted that the loading bay appeared empty, with several trucks parked along the access road and inside the parking yard. These reports fueled speculation about a possible shutdown, causing concern among stakeholders and the public.
However, NNPCL has clarified that the refinery is running smoothly and that fuel loading operations are continuing as planned.
Soneye stated,
“The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down. We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.”
The refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 after undergoing extensive rehabilitation, is currently running at 70% capacity. It is producing approximately 1.5 million liters of diesel and 2.1 million liters of Pour Fuel Oil daily.
Soneye also addressed allegations that the refinery was blending Cracked C5 petroleum resins with Naphtha instead of processing crude oil, stating that blending is a common and accepted practice within the petroleum industry.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) visited the refinery on December 9 and confirmed that it was operational.
Additionally, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) verified that production of petroleum oils had resumed.
NNPCL has urged the public to disregard the reports of the shutdown, attributing them to individuals seeking to create artificial scarcity and exploit Nigerians.
The company remains committed to ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation and contributing to Nigeria’s energy independence.
