The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are showing signs of full operation, as the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has confirmed that its members are now loading their trucks at these facilities. This development comes as a relief following earlier doubts about the refineries’ operational status.
PETROAN spokesperson, Joseph Obele, revealed that members are now loading petroleum products such as Dual-Purpose Kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil, and Premium Motor Spirits at the refineries. The Port Harcourt refinery is supplying petrol, diesel, and kerosene, while the Warri refinery is currently providing diesel and kerosene to retailers.
The revitalization of these refineries is expected to intensify competition in the petroleum market, leading to potential price reductions. Obele emphasized that competition plays a crucial role in driving down prices and meeting the public’s demand for lower fuel costs.
Furthermore, the resurgence of the refineries has brought about benefits such as eliminating adulterated diesel and kerosene from the market. Obele highlighted that the lack of operational refineries had previously fueled the proliferation of fake petroleum products, posing risks to consumers. With the availability of genuine products, the demand for counterfeit items has decreased, reducing the likelihood of accidents and equipment damage.
Additionally, the functionality of the refineries is projected to curb crude oil theft, which has impeded Nigeria’s compliance with OPEC production targets. As crude oil production increases, Nigeria stands to generate more revenue and stabilize its currency.
Recent reports indicate that Nigeria imported approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of PMS and 980,485 metric tonnes of diesel from October 2024 to January 2025, highlighting a shortfall in local production. This translates to around 4.29 billion liters of gasoline and 1.153 billion liters of diesel, underscoring the need for enhanced domestic production to reduce reliance on imports.
In conclusion, the operational status of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries signifies a positive step towards enhancing Nigeria’s energy security, reducing the prevalence of fake petroleum products, and boosting the country’s economic prospects.
