Questions Arise As Port Harcourt Refinery Stops Work After Lavish Repairs

Port Harcourt Refinery Ceases Operations Weeks After Resumption....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Barely a month after the Port Harcourt Refinery resumed operations, the facility has reportedly halted its activities.

As of Thursday, December 19, 2024, lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, had ceased. Reports from The PUNCH reveal that petrol loading at the refinery stopped on Friday, December 13, leaving the 18-arm loading bay empty.

During a visit to the refinery, journalists observed about 18 trucks along the access road, nine parked inside the premises, but no activity at the loading bay. The usually bustling depot was eerily quiet, with no visible vehicular or human operations.

Refinery Resumption and Initial Operations

The Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, was inaugurated on November 26, 2024, by Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The event marked a significant milestone following the $1.5 billion approved in March 2021 for its rehabilitation.

During the reopening ceremony, a limited quantity of petrol was lifted, delighting attendees. However, reports suggest fewer than 10 trucks were dispatched, contrary to claims of nearly 200. Stakeholders later alleged the petrol lifted was old stock from storage rather than newly refined products.

Current State and Stakeholder Explanations

Three weeks ago, newsmen noted a lack of activity at the loading bay, with no petrol being lifted. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria attributed the reduced operations to meter calibration at the loading bay and de-watering of existing stock to prepare for newly refined products.

The refinery’s shutdown raises concerns about the effectiveness of its rehabilitation and the substantial funds invested in its revamp.