Facility Stands Idle After Recent Reopening
The operations at Port Harcourt Refining Company have ceased once again, mere weeks after the facility seemed to resume production following extensive repairs. A visit by The Punch on December 19, 2024, confirmed that the refinery was no longer producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Empty Loading Bays Signal Halt in Distribution
Since December 13, the refinery has discontinued the distribution of gasoline. The loading area, equipped with 18 arms for fuel distribution, was found completely vacant. Although several trucks were observed around the facility, including 18 along the access road and 9 within the premises, none were engaged in loading activities. The normally bustling depot was eerily quiet, with minimal activity from both personnel and vehicles.
A Celebrated Reopening Followed by Disappointment
On November 26, 2024, under the leadership of Mele Kyari of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the refinery was reopened with much fanfare. It was expected to process 60,000 barrels of oil per day, following an investment of $1.5 billion in 2021 for refurbishments. During the celebration, a few trucks were indeed seen loading gasoline amid cheering crowds. However, contrary to reports of 200 trucks, only about 10 were actually filled, and some sources speculate that this fuel might have been from existing stocks rather than fresh output.
READ ALSO: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational Amid Controversy Over Production Capacity
Short-Lived Resumption
Three weeks ago, the loading area was found empty due to equipment calibration and the draining of water from old fuel supplies, according to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria. Two weeks ago, there was a brief resumption with trucks loading fuel under the supervision of Managing Director Ibrahim Onoja, who proudly announced, “The plant is running and we are trucking out our products. We have carried out an extensive revamp of this plant and changed most of the equipment.”
Operations Grind to a Halt
Despite these improvements, production completely stopped a week ago, leaving the facility almost deserted. Only a few truck drivers remain, many of whom were reported to be sleeping in their vehicles, with little expectation of resuming operations soon. An anonymous truck driver mentioned to The Punch that loading might resume on Monday, though he expressed skepticism about this timeline. Currently, the refinery is mostly under the watch of security personnel, identifiable by their black pants and blue shirts, guarding various entry points and key areas within the facility.
