Port Harcourt Refinery to Undergo Scheduled Maintenance from May 24, Raising Fuel Supply Concerns

PORT HARCOURT – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will commence a scheduled maintenance shutdown on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This development, confirmed by NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, has sparked concerns among fuel retailers and the public regarding potential disruptions to fuel supply and price hikes.

The shutdown, described as a “planned maintenance and sustainability assessment,” is aimed at ensuring the facility’s optimal performance and long-term viability. NNPC Ltd emphasized its commitment to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure efficient and transparent execution of the maintenance activities.

While NNPC Ltd maintains that the refinery remains operational and assures the public of uninterrupted fuel supply during this period, concerns are mounting. Sources within the fuel retail sector in Eleme and Okrika, host communities to the refinery, expressed apprehension, with some alleging that the facility had already ceased operations as of Thursday night, a claim NNPC Ltd denies, stating the refinery was still working as of Friday.

The Port Harcourt Refinery, which comprises two units with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) (60,000 bpd for the old plant and 150,000 bpd for the new plant), recently resumed partial operations in November 2024 after years of inactivity and extensive rehabilitation. NNPC Ltd had reported the old Port Harcourt refinery was operating at 70% capacity, producing various products including 1.4 million litres of blended Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), 900,000 litres of kerosene, 1.5 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and 2.1 million litres of Low Pour Fuel Oil daily. The company had also stated plans to ramp up production to 90% capacity.

The timing of this shutdown, coming after significant investments in rehabilitation, has drawn criticism and raised questions about the efficiency and transparency of the process. Some industry stakeholders suggest that while the refinery produces vital products, its output of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at full capacity remains a point of contention, with some marketers reportedly sourcing petrol from the Dangote refinery or imports.

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NNPC Ltd, however, stressed that this is a routine and necessary procedure to ensure continued safe and sustainable operation, denying any allegations of sabotage. The company reiterated its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria and promised regular updates through official channels.

The shutdown is expected to last for a month, and the public will be closely monitoring its impact on fuel availability and prices across the country.