The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity Port Harcourt Refinery remains fully operational, despite circulating media reports suggesting otherwise.
The refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 after an extensive rehabilitation, is contributing significantly to enhancing domestic supply.
However, according to an earlier report by The PUNCH, the cessation of petrol lifting particularly occurred on Friday, December 13, as the 18-arm loading bay of the new Port Harcourt refinery was found to be vacant.
While approximately 18 trucks were observed along the busy road leading to the refinery, journalists who visited the refinery noted that nine trucks were parked within the yard, and the loading bay remained empty.
Meanwhile, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, has dismissed these claims, stating that the refinery is indeed fully operational and loading operations are proceeding as scheduled.
Soneye clarified, “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC. Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing.”