By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has dismissed claims that Old Port Harcourt Refinery which it started after many years of inactivity on Tuesday was not producing any petroleum products.
The NNPC Ltd said this in a statement issued and signed by its spokesperson, Femi Soneye in response claims that the refinery was not producing any product in spite of the celebrations that have greeted announcement of the completion of its rehabilitation the refinery.
However, contrary to such claims, NNPC Ltd said the refinery is not just producing petrol and other petroleum products.
According to the statement, the the Old Port Harcourt Refinery that was revamped on Tuesday is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity.
The company said there are with plans to ramp up its capacity to 90 per cent.
NNPC Ltd listed product that the refinery is producing daily to include:
• Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)
• Kerosene: 900,000 liters
• Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million liters
• Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes
“It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications.
“Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes,” the company said.
“Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements,” it added.
The Board and management of the NNPC Ltd also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery.
“This achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.
“We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation. Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Ltd. and the country.
“Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector,” the statement concluded.