Port Harcourt Refinery Resumes Operation, Dispatches First Batch of Petroleum Products

The Port Harcourt Refinery has officially resumed operations after a major upgrade and modernization project that began in 2021, marking the end of multiple missed deadlines for its restart.

The refinery is set to dispatch its first batch of petroleum products today, November 26.

This achievement follows a facility inspection on the evening of November 25 by Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Located in Alesa Eleme, Port Harcourt, the refinery consists of two units built in 1965 and 1989, with a combined processing capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.

The older unit can process 60,000 barrels per stream day, while the newer unit has a capacity of 150,000 barrels per stream day.

The refinery’s reopening is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The Port Harcourt Refinery will produce key products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, diesel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This will strengthen the nation’s energy supply and contribute to economic growth.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroluem Company Limited (NNPCL) Femi Soneye said on Tuesday, Nov. 26: “Today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.

“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future!”