The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has urged Nigerians to disregard reports questioning the operations of the Port Harcourt Refinery. The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, addressed the issue in a statement released on Wednesday.
Soneye accused critics of deliberately misusing technical terms like blending and refining to spread misinformation and obstruct progress in the refinery’s revitalization.
Refinery Operations and Misconceptions
This clarification follows allegations that NNPCL blended Crack C5 from Indorama Company in Port Harcourt with Naphtha and sold it as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. Critics claimed the refinery was not producing refined products, which NNPCL described as baseless.
“For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%,” the statement read.
Blending vs. Refining: Explained
Soneye explained the difference between blending and refining, emphasizing that PMS is not a single product but a blend of various outputs from the refining process.
“Blending and refining remain essential and sophisticated components of modern fuel production. PMS is a meticulously crafted blend of various refinery outputs and other middle distillates, designed to add value and meet consumer needs,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians not to be swayed by individuals misusing technical terms to foster doubt about the refinery’s operations.
Commitment to Progress
NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to improving the Port Harcourt Refinery’s efficiency, adding that ongoing efforts are geared toward achieving optimal performance and ensuring a reliable supply of refined products.
The statement underscores NNPCL’s resolve to tackle misinformation and enhance public understanding of fuel production processes.
