NNPC ltd has dismissed claims by some that the Port Harcourt Refinery, which earlier today commenced crude oil processing from the plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market, is not producing products. In a statement issued by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd stated that “the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%.”
The refinery, NNPC Ltd says, is producing the following daily outputs:
• Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)
• Kerosene: 900,000 liters
• Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million liters
• Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes
It further explains that “the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes.”
Earlier in the day, NNPC Ltd had announced that in fulfillment of its pledge of re-streaming the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), crude oil processing from the plant ha started and delivery of petroleum products into the market has commenced.
“On Tuesday, trucks began loading petroleum products which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel and Household Kerosene (HHK) or Kerosene, while other product slates will be dispatched as well.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products loading at the Refinery in Port Harcourt, the Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari was reported to have described the commencement of the loadout activities as “a monumental achievement for Nigeria which signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country”. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence to ensure energy security for the country.
“Kyari also expressed deep appreciation to the NNPC Ltd. Board of Directors and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which crystallized into the streaming of the refinery. He also commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery is delivered despite all challenges”.
“”The GCEO further thanked Nigerians for their patience and for the legitimate expectations on the Company to deliver on the other refineries.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed congratulated the NNPC Ltd. for the milestone and assured of his agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries.
The PHRC rehabilitation project was described an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) project that is aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal. It has achieved over 16 million manhours with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI).
NNPC Ltd stated that have made substantial progress has been made on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, and that it will begin operations soon without prior announcements.
