Port Harcourt refinery starts production with truck loading underway
The state-owned Port Harcourt Refinery has commenced production of petroleum products.
This was disclosed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Olufemi Soneye on Tuesday.
Soneye also confirmed that truck loading operations would start today.
Soneye stated that efforts are ongoing to restore operations at the Warri Refinery.
“Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.
“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future,” Soneye added.
In August, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery was ready to begin operations following its testing phase.
He added that more than 450,000 barrels of oil had been supplied to the refinery in preparation for production.
“All crude lines are active and have actually delivered over 450,000 barrels into Port Harcourt refinery. We are confident of the integrity of it. Yes, there may be security issues, but also government is responding to the situation,” Kyari stated.
The Port Harcourt Refinery’s operations are expected to greatly enhance Nigeria’s fuel supply and could position the country as a net exporter of petroleum products.
Despite its status as an oil-rich nation, Nigeria has heavily depended on importing petroleum products, spending over $2 billion annually on petrol imports.
With the activation of the Dangote Refinery and state-owned facilities, Nigeria aims to achieve net exporter status for petroleum products by 2025.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is projected to satisfy local demand and supply neighboring markets.
