Port Harcourt Refinery: Things Nigerians Should Know

The start of crude oil processing at the Port Harcourt Refinery has been met with widespread jubilation among Nigerians.

This comes as the state-owned refinery kicked off operations on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, after being moribund for years.

The development has sparked fresh hope for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery is processing 60,000 barrels per day of crude oil.

To this end, the Port Harcourt Refinery will now join the Dangote Refinery to ensure energy security for Nigerians.

Below are outlined things you need to know about Port Harcourt Refinery:

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70 percent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 percent.

On Tuesday, the refinery trucked out petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and kerosene, with plans to dispatch other products as well.

The refinery is producing the following daily outputs:

– Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): 672,000 litres

– Kerosene: 960,000 litres

– Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1,392,000 litres

– Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 1,992,000 litres

– Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): 48,000 litres

The prices of Port Harcourt Refinery products are yet to be unveiled; however, oil marketers anticipate a reduction in petrol prices.

With the truck-out at Port Harcourt Refinery, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the oil workers’ union, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and many prominent Nigerians have expressed hope for fuel availability, price reduction, and healthy market competition in the midstream segment of Nigeria’s oil industry.

President Tinubu lauded the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose dedication and commitment were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery, Tinubu urged NNPC Limited to expedite the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and position our country as a major energy hub, with the gas sector receiving unprecedented attention,” he said.

Oil workers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) commended Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, and NNPC Limited on the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

In a statement signed by its President, William Akproheha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG described the commencement of crude oil processing and the dispatch of petroleum products as a landmark achievement that aligns with the aspirations of Nigerian workers and citizens.

The statement highlighted Kyari’s resilience in steering the refinery’s rehabilitation project to completion despite numerous challenges, reflecting the highest standards of dedication.

“We commend the indispensable support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL Board of Directors, Staff, and Contractors.

“This accomplishment demonstrates what can be achieved through collective effort and shared commitment to national progress.

“As the refinery resumes production and begins loading critical products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), this progress addresses Nigeria’s energy challenges, eases hardship for workers and citizens, and fosters economic stability.

“We hope the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries will also come to fruition soon, stimulating our economy and easing the energy burden faced by Nigerians. We remain confident in NNPCL’s ability to deliver under visionary leadership.”

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) hailed the commencement of petroleum refining by Port Harcourt Refinery, noting its potential to create jobs and boost product availability.

PANDEF spokesperson, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, urged President Tinubu to ensure that artisanal refineries in the region are licensed to commence production.

He stated, “It’ll boost fuel availability in the country, reduce scarcity, and provide employment for Nigerian citizens.”