The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) yesterday announced the resumption of the old Port Harcourt refinery.
In a statement signed by NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60, 000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
Soneye said the achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.
:” We are however aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%.”
Soneye added, “The refinery is producing the following daily output: Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blend into 1.4 million litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS or Petrol)”, Kerosene: 900, 000 litres, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million litres, Low Pour Fuel Oil(LPFO): 2.1 million litres, Lignified Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes.”
“It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates cracks, a blending component from our sister company, Indorana Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets the 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.”
He added that substantial progress has been made on the New Port Harcourt refinery, which will begin operation soon without prior announcements.
Soneye, therefore, called on Nigerians to focus on the achievement being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation.
According to him, malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides under the NNPC Ltd, and the country.
“Let us move forward in building a stronger and a more self-sufficient energy sector.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has commended the leadership of the NNPC CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari for his unwavering dedication and commitment that are instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve the milestone. This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
