After multiple postponements, Nigeria’s Port Harcourt refinery has officially resumed fuel production, marking a significant milestone for the country’s energy sector. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) confirmed that the refinery commenced operations on Tuesday, with trucks set to begin loading refined products the same day.
The refinery, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, is expected to initially operate at a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. It will produce key products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, as well as diesel and other refined fuels.
This development positions the Port Harcourt refinery as Nigeria’s second fuel-producing facility, following the launch of the Dangote Refinery’s petrol production in September. Owned by the Federal Government and managed by the NNPC, the Port Harcourt refinery has been operational since 1965 but had become largely inactive in recent years.
In 2021, the Nigerian government secured a $1.5 billion loan for the extensive renovation and modernization of the refinery, which had faced multiple challenges over the years. The project experienced numerous delays, with the initial completion deadline missed in September. NNPC attributed the setbacks to risks associated with rehabilitating brownfield facilities and the complexity of the project.
Despite these challenges, commissioning activities were successfully completed, allowing the refinery to resume operations. The facility’s return to production raises hopes that Nigeria may reduce its reliance on imported refined fuel, potentially lowering costs for consumers and enhancing the country’s energy security.
The Port Harcourt refinery’s revival is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing Nigeria’s refining capacity. Alongside the newly operational Dangote Refinery, it represents progress in the country’s long-standing efforts to refine crude oil domestically and reduce dependence on imports.
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