- Marketers Await Petrol as One Unit of the Refinery Resumes Operation
- Full Refinery Capacity Expected by February, Say Industry Experts
Oil marketers have begun lifting Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), marking a cautious return to operations after years of inactivity. The refinery, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), resumed partial production on December 30, 2024, as announced by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Despite this development, the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, is yet to commence, sparking calls from stakeholders for a full-scale revival of the plant.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Delta State Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Harry Okenini, confirmed the refinery’s limited functionality. “The refinery is operational but not at 100 per cent capacity. Currently, only diesel and kerosene are being produced. We expect PMS, cooking gas, and other products by February,” he said.
Echoing this, the National Chairman of Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers, a branch of NUPENG, Israel Omokere, acknowledged the refinery’s progress. “We are optimistic that petrol will be available soon. For now, we are loading kerosene and diesel,” Omokere said.
Findings at the WRPC complex revealed skeletal activities, with only one of the three units operational. A source inside the facility disclosed, “The functioning unit produces diesel, gas, and kerosene, but cannot produce PMS. For petrol production, the second unit must come online, followed by the third and largest unit.”
The refinery’s current operations are a far cry from its full potential, which previously supported over 100 trucks daily. Currently, about 50 trucks are being loaded.
Industry experts have emphasized the need for more extensive efforts by the Federal Government and NNPCL to bring the refinery to full capacity. Security operatives at the refinery prevented journalists from taking photographs during their visit, adding to the air of restricted access and gradual progress at the site.
As Nigerians await the production of petrol and other essential products, stakeholders remain hopeful that WRPC will reclaim its role as a vital player in the nation’s energy sector.
