The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has refuted claims of a complete shutdown, clarifying that operations were temporarily scaled down to enable technical upgrades and efficiency improvements. The statement follows concerns from independent marketers over the pricing of petrol from the refinery, which some claim is set at an uncompetitive rate.
The controversy gained traction after reports alleged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was pricing petrol from the recently revamped Port Harcourt facility at ₦1,030 per litre—approximately ₦60 higher than petrol from the Dangote Refinery. Though NNPCL denied these claims, it has not disclosed specific pricing details.
During a guided media tour of the refinery, PHRC officials assured the public of ongoing operations. Executive Director of Operations at the Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company Limited, Moyi Maidunama, described the scaled-back activity as necessary for facility enhancements.
“Operations were not halted but reduced to address improvements,” Maidunama stated. “We are managing evacuation with the available trucks and loading arms, and this will be resolved soon.”
The facility is reportedly distributing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), kerosene, and diesel, although tanker drivers’ low turnout has slowed dispatches. Terminal Manager Worlu Joel confirmed that surplus products are ready for evacuation, with only three of 11 loading bays currently operational.
“If we had 100 trucks today, we could evacuate them in less than five hours,” Joel asserted, noting that each bay can load three trucks in just 15 minutes.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has voiced dissatisfaction with the refinery’s alleged pricing strategy. IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike warned that members would refuse to purchase petrol from the refinery if prices remain uncompetitive.
“If the refinery’s PMS is truly ₦1,030 per litre, it is unacceptable,” Ukadike said. “We will buy where it is cheaper.”
NNPCL, for its part, has clarified that initial supplies from the Port Harcourt refinery are limited to its own retail outlets. NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye assured that prices would be reviewed periodically to reflect operational realities.
Energy experts have highlighted concerns over the refinery’s reliance on blending straight-run gasoline with naphtha and cracked C5 to produce petrol. While the method may lower costs, it raises questions about fuel quality and long-term sustainability.
Energy consultant Henry Adigun suggested that the blended product should cost around ₦860–₦870 per litre, noting that the refinery is not yet equipped to produce standard petrol directly.
“They haven’t reached the stage to produce petrol without blending,” Adigun explained. “Blending is standard practice globally, but the costs and environmental implications must be considered.”
The debate underscores broader questions about the efficiency and viability of Nigeria’s refining sector as the country grapples with fuel price volatility and growing dependence on imported petroleum products.
While PHRC officials stress that ongoing upgrades will enhance refinery operations, pressure is mounting on the government and NNPCL to address concerns from marketers and industry stakeholders. With the spotlight on pricing and production methods, the Port Harcourt refinery remains at the centre of Nigeria’s energy discourse.
