Port Harcourt refinery: PENGASSAN debunks shutdown rumors, affirms full operations

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has affirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational, dispelling rumors about its functionality.

PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, confirmed the refinery’s active status during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

He explained that crude oil is processed in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) to produce diesel, kerosene, and naphtha, with final adjustments being made to the unit that processes naphtha into Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

To produce PMS in the interim, the refinery blends naphtha with Crack C5 from Indorama, a process consistent with global refining standards.

Osifo highlighted the importance of accountability, especially during the refinery’s Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), where PENGASSAN and NUPENG ensured funds were placed in an escrow account to prevent political interference.

He praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for its commitment and called for similar measures to be implemented for the rehabilitation of refineries in Warri and Kaduna.

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He also voiced concerns about the proposed tax reform bill, warning that certain provisions could negatively impact the oil and gas sector, particularly regulatory bodies like the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Mid and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Osifo called for expanded tax exemptions and comprehensive public hearings to ensure the bill’s provisions do not harm the industry.

While acknowledging past disappointments, Osifo reiterated that the Port Harcourt Refinery is indeed operational, emphasizing the importance of tangible outputs such as the production of AGO, kerosene, and PMS.

He also advocated for the privatization of remaining refineries under a sustainable framework, proposing the adoption of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) privatization model for long-term efficiency.

Osifo concluded by reaffirming PENGASSAN’s commitment to transparency, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue holding the government accountable for the effective management of national resources.