The Port Harcourt Refinery is expected to begin commercial production soon, according to Nigerian oil marketers. Billy Gillis-Harry, the president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, reported that his recent visit to the refinery indicated it is nearing readiness for operation. He expressed hope that the refinery would start producing in the coming weeks, which could help alleviate fuel shortages.
Oil and gas expert Zakka Bala emphasized the importance of revitalizing government-owned refineries like Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to ensure Nigeria’s energy security. He expressed concerns about the potential for private refineries, such as Dangote’s, to prioritize profit over national interests, which could undermine the success of public refineries.
Previously, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had set several start dates for the Port Harcourt Refinery, with the most recent projection being August 2024. The refinery’s turnaround maintenance, funded by a $1.5 billion investment, has been a focal point of scrutiny, including calls for investigation into the expenditure.