UPDATE! ! ! NNPC Completes Another Refinery Sets Date To Rollout Product- See Exciting Details
The delay in the commencement of production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite the completion of its overhaul, is a strategic decision aimed at ensuring long- term operational efficiency and sustainability. Reports from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) indicate that the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, is taking a cautious approach to ensure that all systems are functioning optimally before full operations commence. This deliberate move is intended to prevent any setbacks and ensure the refinery operates at maximum capacity without the risk of breakdowns shortly after resuming production.
During a media conference held in Efurun, Delta State, on Friday, September 13, 2024, Solomon Oseagah, a key figure at the event, confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is already producing and is expected to be officially commissioned by the end of the year. Oseagah stressed that the delay is not due to technical issues or unpreparedness but rather a part of NNPCL’ s commitment to ensuring the facility is fully operational and sustainable in the long term. He noted that all remaining issues are being addressed, and once these are resolved, President Bola Tinubu will officially inaugurate the refinery.
Oseagah reassured the public that NNPCL is diligently addressing challenges related to petroleum product availability and refinery delays across the country. The company’ s focus is to avoid the risk of any production interruptions after the refinery begins full- scale operations. This cautious approach underscores the national oil company’ s commitment to ensuring the long- term success of Nigeria’ s refineries for the benefit of the country.
Additionally, Oseagah addressed recent claims and counterclaims surrounding the pricing of petrol from the Dangote Refinery. He clarified that NNPCL does not have the authority to set prices for products from the Dangote Refinery, as the market is deregulated and pricing is determined by market forces. The statement came in response to disagreements between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery regarding petrol prices. While NNPCL claimed it had purchased petrol from Dangote at N898 per litre, Dangote countered, stating that its products are priced in dollars and sold below the cost of imported petrol.
Amid these pricing disputes, Oseagah emphasized that NNPCL remains focused on its goal of ensuring Nigeria’ s refineries, including the Port Harcourt Refinery, operate effectively and contribute to the country’s economic stability. The refinery is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, providing a significant boost to Nigeria’ s petroleum refining capacity.
