There are emerging reports that the state-owned Port Harcourt Refinery has ceased operations once again, less than a month after its much-anticipated rehabilitation.
A member of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), who requested anonymity, disclosed this to PulseNets on Saturday following inquiries. The source confirmed that petrol lifting activities had halted at the facility since December 13, 2024, though there is optimism that operations might resume by Monday, December 23, 2024.
“I can confirm to you that there has been no petrol lifting activity at the plant since last week, 13th December,” the source told PulseNets. “Tanker drivers are at the 18-arm loading bay of the new Port Harcourt refinery waiting until Monday. Maybe petrol lifting will recommence.”
PulseNets reached out to the spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Olufemi Soneye, on Saturday morning for comments on the situation. However, as of press time, no immediate response had been received.
It should be recalled that on November 26, the NNPC announced the resumption of petrol lifting at the Port Harcourt Refinery after $1.5 billion was allocated for its rehabilitation in 2021. The announcement was met with mixed reactions, with optimism from some quarters and skepticism from others.
According to earlier statements, the NNPC revealed that over 200 trucks had loaded petrol from the facility. However, contrary claims suggested that only 10 trucks lifted petrol on the inauguration day. Further allegations surfaced, stating that the petrol lifted on that day consisted of old stock.
NNPC Denies Shutdown Reports
Reacting to these reports, Soneye, in a statement later issued to PulseNets, dismissed claims of the refinery’s shutdown, insisting that the facility remains fully operational.
“The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd, has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false, as the refinery is fully operational, as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.
“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing.
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“Members of the public are advised to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip off Nigerians,” Soneye stated.
PulseNets continues to monitor developments on this issue.
