NNPCL denies shutdown claims, confirms Port Harcourt refinery is fully operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), is fully operational, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

The refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 after undergoing extensive rehabilitation, is playing a key role in boosting local supply.

Despite earlier reports from The PUNCH, which indicated that petrol loading had paused on December 13, 2024, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, has clarified that these claims are unfounded.

Journalists visiting the site noted the presence of trucks along the road leading to the refinery, but fewer trucks inside the yard, fueling speculation about a possible shutdown.

In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, refuted the claims, emphasizing that the refinery is running smoothly and that fuel loading operations are continuing as planned.

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.”