Port Harcourt Refinery’s Fuel Price Sparks Debate Amid Operational Claims
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt refinery is selling petrol at N1,030 per litre, amid mounting speculation over the facility’s operational status. Speaking on Thursday, PETROAN spokesman Joseph Obele stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had communicated the price, alongside assurances of the refinery’s functionality.
Obele reaffirmed the facility’s capability, noting, “The old Port Harcourt refinery is functional and currently operating at 70% capacity, with plans to increase to 90%.” His statement counters accusations that the refurbished plant is merely a blending facility. PETROAN has called on skeptics to verify operations directly with NNPCL.
The refinery, which boasts a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, has been under scrutiny following its rehabilitation. The adjacent newer refinery, with a projected capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, remains under development. Obele highlighted a recent Senate Committee visit as evidence of ongoing activity, stating, “The Senate saw the plant operational, with trucks loading at the depot.”
Meanwhile, PETROAN urged NNPCL to lower fuel prices to ease financial strain on consumers during the festive season, especially in light of Dangote Refinery’s recent price cut to N970 per litre.
However, logistical challenges loom large. Obele cited the dilapidated Eleme East-West Road as a major safety risk for transporting flammable products, urging the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite repairs.
The refinery’s future is tied to broader calls for privatisation, with PETROAN advocating for a transparent handover to capable private firms. As debates persist, the Port Harcourt refinery’s role in addressing Nigeria’s fuel needs remains under intense scrutiny.
