By Straightnews
After more than five years of being moribund, Port Harcourt Refinery has resumed production after a long period of rehabilitation and modernisation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) said on Tuesday.
The refinery with 210,000 bpd refining capacity located at Alesa, Eleme, in Port Harcourt, comprises two operational units established in 1965 and 1989 is managed by the NNPCL through Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited.
The NNPC Ltd said the refinery began truck loading of petroleum products on Tuesday, 26 November.
Read also: Despite PH Refinery recommencing operation, fuel price hike remains- NNPCL
Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of the company disclosed this in a post on his X handle Tuesday morning.
“Port Harcourt Refinery begins production; truck loading starts today, Tuesday,” Mr Soneye said.
In another update on X, the NNPC said: “NNPC Ltd Delivers Port Harcourt Refinery as plant begins truckout of products today, Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 1.45 pm.
“Watch the commissioning and trucking out event LIVE.”
In 2021, NNPC Ltd said repairs had started at PHRC after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.5 billion for the project.
On 21 December 2023, the Nigerian government announced the mechanical completion and the flare start-off of the refinery.
Tinubu hails NNPCL as Port Harcourt refinery begins operation
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery..
In a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu welcomed the development, saying that it would deepen domestic production in the oil sector.
The statement noted, “These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.’’
Mr Tinubu acknowledged the pivotal role played by the previous administration while urging the NNPCL to quicken reactivation of other refineries in the country.
He said, “The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.”
The president further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to energy sufficiency in the country, urging Nigerians to play their part.
“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.
Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation”, the statement indicated.
Dangote Refinery reduces PMS cost
Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit from N990 per litre to N970/litre.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said the reduction was to appreciate Nigerians as the year ends.
“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true. In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Chiejina said the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products while assuring Nigerians of the best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
Recall that the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria said on Friday that the landing cost of imported petrol is now N971/litre.
