AGS NEWS – The Port Harcourt refinery, with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, is expected to start operations by the end of July after numerous delays.

This was announced by Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, on Monday.

Chinedu stated that the refinery’s operation would boost economic activity, lower petroleum product prices, and ensure adequate supply.

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Last December, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the mechanical completion of the refinery.

The facility consists of two units: an older plant with a 60,000 BPD capacity and a newer one with a 150,000 BPD capacity.

The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for repairs, managed by Italy’s Maire Tecnimont and Eni as technical advisers.

In March 2024, NNPC Limited’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, indicated the refinery would start in two weeks, but operations did not begin as promised.

On Monday, Chinedu emphasized that the refinery is nearly ready and is set to begin production by the end of July after significant renovations.

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The refinery’s impending start coincides with the Dangote Refinery’s plans to begin petrol production in June, aiming to eliminate Nigeria’s petrol imports and reduce costs.

The NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, stated that regulatory approvals are the final step before operations commence.