Why Port Harcourt Refinery Is Not Producing Yet – NNPCL

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has addressed concerns over the delayed production at the Port Harcourt Refinery, clarifying that the facility is still on track to deliver petrol despite ongoing technical challenges. This was revealed by Adedapo Segun, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, during a recent briefing in Lagos.

Segun explained that while the refinery achieved mechanical completion in December 2022, production has yet to begin due to intermittent setbacks. He highlighted that the distillation process officially commenced in August, but several technical issues have since caused delays.

“We’ve fired up the burners, and distillation has started. However, we are not yet producing products to tank specification due to unforeseen challenges. Each time we reach certain temperature levels, such as 300 degrees Celsius, unexpected issues arise, forcing us to halt and cool down the system before resuming,” Segun stated.

He emphasized that these disruptions are typical in refining operations, particularly for brownfield refineries like Port Harcourt. Segun noted that while the refinery has had to restart the process multiple times, the NNPCL remains confident that production will begin soon.

Comparing the situation to the Dangote Refinery, a greenfield project, Segun highlighted that it took over 10 months after mechanical completion for Dangote to start producing diesel, and over 16 months before petrol production began. In contrast, the Port Harcourt Refinery, which was rehabilitated rather than newly built, is still within nine months of its mechanical completion.

“Considering this timeline, it’s important to manage expectations. The Dangote Refinery began producing petrol 16 months after completion, and we are hopeful that the Port Harcourt Refinery will begin middle distillate production within this month,” Segun added.

He stressed that safety remains a priority, especially when operating at high temperatures, and that the NNPCL is committed to ensuring all processes are carried out properly.

“We are optimistic that we will deliver soon. However, we must proceed with caution. The refinery operates at temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Celsius, and any misstep could have serious consequences. We won’t rush the process just to meet a deadline,” Segun concluded.

NNPCL maintains that the Port Harcourt Refinery is still on course to meet production targets, with an expectation of seeing products in tanks later this month.