Fuel Output Declines by 1.4 Million Liters Daily as Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Scheduled Maintenance
Nigeria’s premium motor spirit (PMS) production has fallen by 1.4 million liters daily following the resumption of maintenance activities at the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC). This marks a setback after the refinery had boosted output to an estimated 71.6 million liters per day when it returned to operation in November 2024. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd) announced the planned maintenance shutdown starting May 24, 2025.
According to a statement from NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will be conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). NNPC emphasized its commitment to ensuring that these activities are transparent and efficient, with regular updates to be provided through official channels.
The Port Harcourt Refinery had been offline for over three years before resuming operations late last year. Its daily product output includes premium motor spirit, diesel, kerosene, low-pour fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s fuel supply. Despite public concern about the refinery needing maintenance so soon after restarting, industry stakeholders have yet to publicly respond to the shutdown.
NNPC reaffirmed its dedication to energy security for Nigeria, underscoring the importance of maintaining the refinery to ensure sustainable production. The maintenance period is viewed as necessary to support the refinery’s long-term operational stability, even though it temporarily reduces fuel output.
The fuel production drop comes amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector, with issues such as power cuts and operational inefficiencies affecting businesses and consumers. The government and NNPC are working to balance maintenance needs with the country’s growing fuel demand as they seek to strengthen the petroleum refining infrastructure.
Source: Business Day