The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has debunked rumors circulating in local media that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, re-streamed two months ago after a $1.5 billion rehabilitation, has ceased operations.
Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, dismissed the claims as “totally false,” stating that the refinery remains fully operational.
He noted, “Preparation for the day’s loading operation is ongoing.” Soneye described the reports as deliberate attempts to create artificial scarcity and exploit Nigerians, urging the public to disregard such misinformation.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a steady supply of petroleum products nationwide, emphasizing that operations at the refinery continue without interruption.
NNPC recently confirmed that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which has a processing capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is producing 1.4 million liters of refined petroleum products daily. Loading operations are proceeding as planned, countering any insinuations of a shutdown.
In response to lingering skepticism, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, extended an invitation to human rights activist Femi Falana and other critics to tour the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. This move aims to provide transparency and firsthand verification of their operational status.
Addressing controversies about product blending, Kyari explained that blending is a standard and essential aspect of refining operations.
He emphasized that it is not a violation but rather a necessary process in achieving product specifications.
This clarification underscores NNPC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and dispelling unfounded rumors while continuing to enhance Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
