Warri Refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, has resumed operations ahead of schedule, marking a major step in Nigeria’s refining sector. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed the resumption of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), which boasts a refining capacity of 125,000 barrels per day. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Port Harcourt Refinery’s recent commencement of operations at 60,000 barrels per day. NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Warri facility. Kyari was accompanied by other top officials, including Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. In a video shared by Channels TV, Kyari assured Nigerians of the progress being made, stating that while repairs are ongoing, the refinery is already functional. “This plant is operational, though not yet at full capacity. Many people doubt such achievements, but we are here to show that real progress is happening,” Kyari remarked. Located in Ekpan, Uvwie, and Ubeji areas of Delta State, the Warri Refinery plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s petrochemical sector. The facility produces an estimated 13,000 metric tonnes annually of polypropylene and 18,000 metric tonnes of carbon black, serving southern and southwestern markets. Since its commissioning in 1978, the Warri Refinery has been a key pillar of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry. Although the refinery was initially expected to achieve mechanical completion by early 2024, it has resumed operations ahead of schedule, as noted by NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye. The WRPC is one of four NNPCL-managed refineries, alongside the Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company in Kaduna State. This milestone highlights NNPCL’s dedication to revamping Nigeria’s refining capacity, reducing dependency on imported petroleum products, and strengthening the nation’s energy security. Optimized SEO Elements: This rewrite focuses on clarity, search engine optimization, and a quick load time while maintaining a high standard of quality and engagement. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Fresh details emerge as the Port Harcourt Refinery ceases operations weeks after reopening. Allegations of unrefined stock, halted petrol lifting, and equipment failure raise questions about the $1.5 billion rehabilitation project. Port Harcourt Refinery Suspends Operations, Casting Doubt on $1.5 Billion Rehabilitation The Port Harcourt Refinery, which recently reopened after a highly publicized $1.5 billion rehabilitation, has unexpectedly halted operations. Less than a month after its relaunch, activities at the facility have ceased, leaving many questioning the success of the refurbishment project. By Thursday, December 19, 2024, reports confirmed a complete stoppage in the lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The refinery’s previously active loading bay, designed to accommodate up to 18 trucks simultaneously, was eerily silent, with no visible activity. Sources revealed that petrol lifting last occurred on Friday, December 13. Empty Loading Bays and Allegations of Old Stock Truck drivers stationed near the refinery expressed frustration, citing uncertainty about when operations might resume. According to one driver, “They loaded about 15 trucks last Friday, but since then, not a single truck has been loaded. We’re just waiting without any clear updates.” When the refinery reopened in November, it was heralded as a landmark step toward achieving energy independence in Nigeria. During the inauguration, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO, Mele Kyari, announced the facility’s readiness to refine up to 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily. However, allegations have surfaced that the petrol lifted during the reopening ceremony came from old storage tanks rather than newly refined fuel. These claims have intensified doubts about whether the refinery ever truly resumed operations. Equipment Challenges and Mixed Communication The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria had earlier explained that delays were due to equipment calibration and efforts to remove water from old fuel supplies. Despite temporary assurances and a brief resumption, the refinery has once again stalled. Independent petroleum marketers, including Mr. Dappa Jubobaraye, have heavily criticized the refinery’s state. He accused the NNPCL of staging the inauguration as a public relations exercise, saying, “It was all a show to convince Nigerians the refinery is functional. In reality, only a handful of trucks were loaded that day, and the loading meters were not calibrated properly. Out of 18 loading arms, only three were operational, and even those had leaks.” Jubobaraye further pointed out that no diesel (AGO) or kerosene (DPK) has been loaded since the reopening, leaving millions of Nigerians without access to critical fuel products. Drivers and Marketers Frustrated by Stalled Operations Truck drivers lamented long waiting periods and a lack of communication from refinery officials. Some stated that they had been parked for over two weeks without progress. “The arms in the loading bay could load up to 30 trucks daily, yet only three are functional. Even then, these three are strictly used for PMS,” one marketer explained. Despite the grand promises made during its reopening, the Port Harcourt Refinery’s shutdown raises pressing questions about the $1.5 billion rehabilitation project’s transparency and long-term viability. Critics argue that without immediate and effective action, the dream of achieving energy independence through local refinery operations may remain elusive. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at its retail stations in Abuja. According to reports from DAILY POST, the pump price of petrol has dropped from ₦1,060 to ₦1,040 per litre at NNPCL outlets, reflecting a ₦20 decrease. This adjustment was confirmed by a staff member at an NNPCL filling station located along the Kubwa Expressway, who stated, “The price was reduced to ₦1,040 per litre from ₦1,060 on Saturday morning.” The price cut has been welcomed by consumers, with many calling for further reductions in the coming weeks. Despite this, petrol prices remain higher—up to ₦1,115 per litre—at other fuel stations depending on the location. This recent development follows the commencement of petroleum production at the state-owned Port Harcourt refinery in November 2024, just three weeks ago. Prof. Billy Okoye, the former Managing Director of NNPCL Retail, had previously hinted at potential price reductions as a result of increased domestic production from the refinery. Additionally, industry stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), had earlier predicted that ongoing deregulation efforts and operational activities at both the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries would drive down petrol prices nationwide. With the price adjustment, Nigerians can now expect a slight relief in fuel costs while anticipating more competitive pricing in the future as local production capacity increases. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
