Claims of Skeletal Operations
The Port Harcourt Refinery has come under scrutiny following allegations that it is not fully operational as claimed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Timothy Mgbere, a representative from the Alesa community in Rivers State, alleged that only a limited section of the refinery is functional. He also claimed that petroleum products recently loaded from the facility were from old stock, stored for over three years.
NNPCL Refutes Allegations
Responding to the accusations, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye dismissed Mgbere’s claims, describing them as a display of ignorance about refinery operations. Soneye explained that the old and new Port Harcourt refineries share common utilities, including storage tanks and loading gantries. He added that the refinery currently operates at 90% of its capacity, producing 1.4 million litres of PMS daily alongside other products such as diesel and kerosene.
Host Community Raises Concerns
Mgbere criticised the refinery’s management for allegedly misleading Nigerians, stating that recent loading activities were ceremonial and not indicative of full production. He questioned the refinery’s automation claims, citing inefficiencies such as extended truck loading times. These issues, he argued, undermine the credibility of NNPCL’s operational updates.
Industry Experts Call for Transparency
Energy experts have also weighed in, urging NNPCL to provide transparent details about its feedstock sources and distillation capabilities. Nick Agule, an energy analyst, called on the company to disclose whether it is importing Naphtha or processing crude oil locally. Another expert, Bala Zaka, questioned the rationale behind storing products instead of releasing them promptly to the market.
Marketers and Stakeholders React
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed cautious optimism about the refinery’s operations. IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike stated that while marketers are prepared to load products, they will reserve judgment until consistent operations are observed. Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) confirmed the refinery’s functionality, noting that it operates at 70% capacity with plans to ramp up further.
The Need for Improved Communication
Stakeholders have urged NNPCL to enhance its communication strategy to address public doubts. Clear and transparent updates on production levels, automation processes, and feedstock sources are seen as critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring the refinery’s successful operation.
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