Petrol retailers, represented by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to honour the 30-day repair commitment for the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).
This request follows an announcement from NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, regarding an impending maintenance shutdown. Soneye indicated that the maintenance and sustainability assessment is expected to begin on May 24, 2025, and assured that the company is working collaboratively with pertinent stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure the process is conducted efficiently and transparently.
Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of PETROAN, expressed concerns about the maintenance shutdown, acknowledging its necessity while emphasising the importance of adhering to the timeline to minimise disruptions to the supply of petroleum products. The association is apprehensive that the 30-day timeframe may not be feasible due to common hurdles, which could lead to additional delays and heighten supply issues.
PETROAN also raised concerns that any delays in rehabilitating the old refinery could exacerbate the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians. They insisted that the repair process must include the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) blending unit, as its absence would render the crude oil cracking process ineffective.
Furthermore, the association demanded that NNPC ensure the repairs are completed before existing stocks are depleted, to prevent market monopolies and secure a stable supply of petroleum products. Completing the repairs on schedule is deemed essential for maintaining competition in the market, which would ultimately benefit both consumers and the economy.
PETROAN proposed the establishment of a task force by the Minister of Petroleum, comprising all industry stakeholders, to oversee the 30-day repairs and provide weekly updates to the public, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability. They stressed the necessity of prompt payments to contractors to prevent delays and keep the project on track.
An internal memo from the refinery has also warned employees against communicating with external individuals or the media regarding the Area 5 plant shutdown, highlighting that such actions contravene Labour Law and could result in strict disciplinary actions.
