The Port Harcourt Refinery, which underwent Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in December 2023, is currently in the testing phase, ensuring operational readiness before commercial operations commence, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Despite initial expectations of resuming refining operations post-TAM, a recent check by Energy Vanguard revealed that the refinery is still undergoing testing, with Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Oladapo Soneye, confirming the ongoing process. Soneye stated, “Test running is ongoing. It is targeted at ensuring that everything, including the lines, is in perfect condition. It is when everything is confirmed to be fine that supply of crude for refining can start.”
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NNPC Ltd. previously announced the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on the Area 5 Plant of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC). The rehabilitation work, spanning over two years, aimed at achieving the mechanical completion and flare start-up of Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5) by the end of December 2023.
During an inspection tour and the 15th Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee Meeting, NNPC Ltd.’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, stated that 84.4% of the Area 5 Plant and 77.4% of the entire rehabilitation project had been completed by December 15th, 2023. Kyari pledged to re-stream the refinery and ensure its full operation in 2024.
The Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Pius Akinyelure, described the achievements as “historic” and emphasized the commitment to achieving the highest level of production to stabilize petroleum prices and generate more revenue for the country.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, hailed the milestone as part of the renewed hope agenda and thanked Nigerians for their patience and trust in NNPC Ltd.’s ability to deliver on this significant project.
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Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the positive impact on the nation’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry, as cooking gas is a major by-product of the refinery. The re-streaming of the refinery is expected to contribute to the stability of LPG supply in the country.
As the Port Harcourt refinery progresses through the testing phase, stakeholders express optimism about its imminent full operation and its positive implications for Nigeria’s energy sector.
