NNPCL Clears Air: No Shutdown At Port Harcourt Refinery,Problem 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has affirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery, with a 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity, remains fully operational, despite recent media reports suggesting otherwise.

After undergoing extensive rehabilitation, the refinery resumed operations in November 2024 and is playing a vital role in boosting domestic fuel supply.

However, a report by The PUNCH highlighted that petrol lifting ceased on Friday, December 13, when the 18-arm loading bay appeared vacant. While around 18 trucks were seen parked along the road leading to the refinery, journalists visiting the site observed nine trucks in the yard, with the loading bay still empty.

In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, refuted the claims, confirming that the refinery is indeed operational and that fuel loading activities are continuing as planned.

Soneye clarified, “We have been made aware of reports suggesting that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which resumed operations two months ago, has been shut down. These claims are completely false. The refinery is fully operational, as confirmed recently by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC. Preparations for the day’s loading operations are ongoing.”