The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) trucks have commenced the lifting of fuel from the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State.

The NNPCL disclosed this via a post on X on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

The Star had reported that the Port Harcourt refinery, managed by the NNPCL through the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), commenced operations after undergoing rehabilitation and modernisation on Tuesday.

The NNPCL noted that the development signalled the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and the delivery of petroleum products into the market.

“On Tuesday, trucks began loading petroleum products which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel and Household Kerosene (HHK) or Kerosene, while other product slates will be dispatched as well,” it stated.

Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products’ loading at the refinery on Tuesday, the Group CEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, described the commencement of the loadout activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria which he said signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.

Kyari thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence in ensuring energy security for the country.

At last, Port Harcourt refinery begins production

Kyari also expressed appreciation to the NNPCL Board of Directors and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which he said crystallised into the streaming of the refinery.

He also commended the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery is delivered despite all challenges.

The NNPCL boss further thanked Nigerians for their patience and for the expectations on the company to deliver on the other refineries.

The refinery with 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) refining capacity located at Alesa, Eleme in Port Harcourt, comprises two operational units which were established in 1965 and 1989.

The old plant refines a capacity of 60,000 bpd, while the new plant refines 150,000 bpd.

It would be recalled that the federal government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, in March 2021, secured a $1.5 billion loan to rehabilitate the refinery which contract was awarded to an Italian firm, Tecnimont S.P.A, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group.

The Star