Omiete Joseph
The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed the claims claims by some Nigerians suggesting that the Port Harcourt Refinery is not producing products, despite the commencement event on Tuesday.
In a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
According to Soneye, 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%. The refinery is producing the following daily outputs: Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)”.
He said the refinery is also producing “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”.
Soneye expressed that “It is worth noting 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”.
He said “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.
“Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.”
He however, urged Nigerians to focus on the achievements being realised under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation.
The NNPCL spokesperson said malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by company. and the country.
“Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector”, he added.