By Ali Elias
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has clarified recent claims questioning the operational status of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, affirming that the facility is producing at 70% of its installed capacity. The refinery, which recently restarted after years of setbacks, is generating substantial outputs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, diesel, and other essential products, with plans to ramp up capacity to 90% in the near future.
NNPC Ltd. emphasized that the refinery adheres to global best practices by incorporating blending components, such as crack C5 from Indorama Petrochemicals, to meet gasoline specifications—a standard approach in refineries worldwide.
This milestone reflects NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s refining capabilities and strengthening energy security. The Board and Management expressed their appreciation to Nigerians for their continued support, urging citizens to focus on the progress made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
By addressing these unfounded claims, NNPC Ltd. aims to ensure accurate public understanding of its efforts and achievements in transforming the nation’s energy sector.
The Press Release, with the caption, “NNPC Ltd Reaffirms Progress On Portharcourt Refinery And Addresses Misleading Claims” reads: The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) express heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery. This achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.
We are, however, aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%.
The refinery is producing the following daily outputs:
· Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 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 volumes
It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. Blending
is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes.
Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.
We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation. Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Ltd. and the country.
Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector.