Rita Odafe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has revealed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently functioning at 70% capacity, producing significant amounts of petroleum products daily.
This achievement represents a crucial step forward for the refinery, which has faced numerous operational challenges over the years.
According to a statement from Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., the daily output from the refinery includes:
– Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Contributing to 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol).
– 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 quantities.
– Blending to Meet Standards
To adhere to gasoline specifications, Straight-Run Gasoline is blended with crack C5, sourced from Indorama Petrochemicals. NNPC emphasizes that this blending method is a standard practice globally, as no single refinery can independently produce gasoline that completely meets national standards without further processing.
NNPC is also working on enhancing the refinery’s capacity from 70% to 90%. Additionally, there has been notable progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which is anticipated to begin operations shortly.
In response to claims suggesting that the refinery is inactive, NNPC has labeled these assertions as “unfounded.” The company highlighted the necessity of acknowledging the progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has made revitalizing the energy sector a top priority.
Nigerians are encouraged to support the ongoing initiatives to transform the energy sector and to avoid unfounded criticisms that could hinder progress.
The revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria in its quest for energy independence, aimed at ensuring better access to fuel products and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
