JUST IN: Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Production

The long-awaited return of the Port Harcourt Refinery to full operations has finally become a reality, as the facility has commenced the processing of crude oil.

This development comes after several missed deadlines and delays that had raised doubts over the refinery’s ability to deliver on its promise.

Olufemi Soneye, spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), confirmed the news on Tuesday, revealing that the refinery is currently operating at 60 percent of its installed capacity.

This means that the refinery is now processing approximately 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

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“The Port Harcourt Refinery has successfully begun processing crude oil, operating at 60 percent capacity, which translates to 60,000 barrels per day,” Soneye said in a statement.

With a combined refining capacity of 210,000 barrels per day across its two plants, the Port Harcourt Refinery is a critical asset to the nation’s oil industry.

For years, however, the refinery had been plagued by poor maintenance, aging infrastructure, and various management issues, leading to its shutdown and an extended period of inactivity.