The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has officially confirmed the planned shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company for critical maintenance. The refinery will be offline for about a month starting Saturday, May 24, 2025, as part of scheduled upkeep and sustainability assessments.
In a statement released on Saturday, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, reassured the public that the maintenance exercise aims to enhance the refinery’s safety and long-term efficiency. He emphasized that the company is collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to carry out the process with transparency and effectiveness.
“The refinery remains fully operational at present,” Soneye explained, “but this planned maintenance is crucial for the continued safe and sustainable functioning of the facility. The exercise will follow global best practices and is expected to last approximately one month.”
Addressing concerns raised by indigenous fuel retailers in Eleme—where the refinery is located—who alleged sabotage, Soneye dismissed such claims, emphasizing that the shutdown is strictly for maintenance purposes.
To mitigate potential supply disruptions during the maintenance period, NNPCL confirmed that there are sufficient reserves of automotive gas oil (AGO), kerosene, and other petroleum products to meet demand.
NNPCL promised to provide regular updates through its official communication channels as the maintenance progresses, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable energy security for Nigeria.
Stay tuned to Hobnob News for ongoing coverage of this important development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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