PH Refinery: Without PMS Blending, Fuel Price Would’ve Been N10,000 Per Litre – PETROAN

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has addressed concerns surrounding the operations of the recently revived Port Harcourt refinery, countering claims that it serves merely as a blending facility. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV News Night, Gillis-Harry emphasized the global standard practice of blending in crude oil refining processes and its importance in stabilizing fuel prices.

Gillis-Harry explained that blending is a critical step in refining, especially for products like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), due to their high volatility. Without this process, the cost of gasoline could soar to an untenable N10,000 per litre. He noted that blending ensures the stability and usability of refined products, adding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had been transparent about incorporating blending into the refinery’s operations.

Criticism had emerged from some quarters labeling the refinery as merely a blending plant. However, PETROAN countered these assertions, stressing that blending is integral to refining and is practiced by all refineries globally.

Gillis-Harry also clarified recent comments made by PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele, which suggested that Port Harcourt Refinery products were more expensive than those from the Dangote Refinery. He explained that Obele’s statement referred to ex-depot prices before the refinery commenced operations on Tuesday. Gillis-Harry expressed optimism that the Port Harcourt Refinery would review its gasoline prices to offer more competitive rates once bulk sales to marketers fully commence.

The NNPCL has also dismissed claims that it has established a fixed price template for products from the Port Harcourt Refinery, which resumed operations and began the distribution of petroleum products earlier this week.