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| Port Harcourt Refinery Undergoing Scheduled Maintenance |
PHRC has two plants. The old plant refines 60,000 barrels per day. The new plant adds 150,000 bpd. Together they can process 210,000 bpd. Low output forced Nigeria to import most fuel.
NNPC says the work covers mechanical checks, leak tests, and unit overhauls. Stakeholders include NMDPRA, engineering firms, and safety auditors. NNPC aims for transparent, efficient work.
The shutdown lasts about one month, NNPC notes. Key units will restart in phases to limit impact. Regular updates will appear on NNPC’s website and media channels.
With PHRC offline, local output drops by 210,000 bpd. Marketers warn of tighter supply and possible price hikes. Nigeria may import an extra 50 million liters of petrol in June. Traders urge swift work.
Industry analysts say periodic maintenance is vital. “Refineries need regular checks,” says a consultant at Lagos Energy Forum. Yet past delays fuel doubts. They call for firm timelines and progress reports.
Local businesses face higher fuel costs. Transport firms may raise fares. State revenue dips as refinery operations halt. Yet efficient refineries can cut import bills by $1 billion yearly.
NMDPRA oversees safety and compliance. Past audits flagged corrosion and outdated controls. This exercise follows a 2021 rehab plan funded with $1.5 billion by British loans.
Consumer groups praise transparency but fear delays. IPMAN asks for price stability measures. Some civil society groups urge NNPC to share progress data.
NNPC plans further upgrades at Warri and Kaduna refineries. A new greenfield plant nears completion. The goal: boost national refining capacity to 80% of crude output.
May’s maintenance sets the stage for stronger, more reliable fuel output. Timely work can ease Nigeria’s import burden. The country watches for swift progress and clear updates.