Port Harcourt Refinery To Shutdown To Undergo Scheduled Maintenance, NNPC Assures Continued Fuel Supply.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a planned one-month shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) for essential maintenance, effective from 24 May 2025. The move, described as a critical step to ensure the facility’s long-term efficiency and sustainability, aims to maintain safe operations at the refinery, which resumed production in November 2024 after a significant overhaul.
In a statement released by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that the shutdown is part of a routine maintenance and sustainability assessment. “NNPC Ltd wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown,” Soneye said, emphasising that the exercise aligns with global safety and operational standards. He reassured Nigerians that the NNPCL is collaborating with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure transparency and efficiency during the process.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta, comprises two units with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), including the older 60,000 bpd plant and the newer 150,000 bpd facility. Following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation, the refinery has been operational, though recent reports indicate it has been functioning at approximately 37.87% of its capacity, producing an average of 82.55 million litres of refined products monthly between November 2024 and April 2025, significantly below its optimal output of 218 million litres.
Despite the maintenance announcement, concerns have emerged among fuel retailers in the Eleme and Okrika communities, who fear potential fuel shortages and price hikes. A retailer in Eleme expressed apprehension, stating, “We are worried about the potential shortage of fuel and the attendant price hikes,” urging NNPCL to ensure uninterrupted supply during the maintenance period. Soneye addressed these concerns, firmly denying allegations of sabotage and affirming that the facility remains operational until the maintenance begins. “We are set to commence a scheduled safety maintenance exercise to sustain safe refinery operations,” he added.
The NNPCL has committed to providing regular updates through official channels, including its website and media platforms, to keep the public informed. The company also highlighted its ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s refining infrastructure, with similar rehabilitation works underway at the Kaduna Refinery and the second Port Harcourt facility. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and bolster domestic refining capacity.
While the shutdown has sparked some criticism, particularly given the refinery’s history of underperformance and allegations of mismanagement, industry observers view the maintenance as a necessary step to enhance reliability. The NNPCL’s proactive approach, coupled with its collaboration with regulatory bodies, signals a commitment to sustainable energy security for Nigeria. As the maintenance progresses, the nation awaits the refinery’s return to full capacity, which could significantly alleviate fuel supply challenges and support economic stability.