The Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited is on the brink of resuming operations, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited commencing the supply of crude oil for the plant’s test run, as announced by an NNPCL official on Sunday.
Scheduled to provide refined products, including petrol and diesel, to 12 states such as Abia, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta, the refinery’s imminent commercial production is anticipated shortly after the completion of the ongoing test run.
Following the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on the Area-5 Plant on December 21, 2023, the first phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery is set to refine 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the first phase, assuring Nigerians of refined product production post-Christmas.
Confirming the progress, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated on Sunday that the refinery is undergoing a test run, aligning with international best practices.
Quest Times further reports that he assured Nigerians that commercial production of refined products is imminent, emphasizing the importance of adherence to global best practices in ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation.
“We’ve successfully completed the mechanical phase of the PH refinery Area 5 plant, installing all vital components. Licensor inspection has been done and catalysts delivered.
“Now, industry-based testing remains, focusing on leaks, air, line blowing, flushing, drying, steam out, calibration, plant inerting, and then hydrocarbon (crude oil) introduction.
“While we share the optimism, adherence to global best practices is crucial. Testing will conclude shortly, ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation. Production should commence shortly,” Soneye affirmed.