The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the temporary shutdown of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery for planned maintenance, effective Saturday, May 24, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company explained that the move is part of efforts to sustain the operational integrity of the refinery following its recent rehabilitation and phased restart.
According to NNPC Ltd., the shutdown will allow for critical assessments and sustainability checks required to ensure the long-term functionality and reliability of the refining facility. The maintenance operation is being carried out in coordination with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“The planned maintenance is a proactive step to guarantee the refinery operates at optimal capacity and aligns with global best practices,” the statement read. “We remain committed to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigerians.”
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), operated by NNPC, consists of two refining units—the old plant with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) and the new plant capable of refining 150,000 bpsd. The combined 210,000 bpsd capacity had been offline for years until late 2024 when operations resumed after extensive rehabilitation.
The latest shutdown is part of routine post-commissioning evaluations and is not linked to any operational fault, NNPC officials clarified.
While the company did not specify the duration of the maintenance, it assured Nigerians that updates would be provided through its official communication channels. NNPC also gave assurances that the maintenance would not significantly affect fuel supply across the country.
However, concerns have emerged among independent marketers and downstream operators, particularly in Rivers and neighbouring states, over potential short-term disruptions and price volatility.
The refinery’s resuscitation was one of the federal government’s key milestones in its drive to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and bolster domestic refining capacity.
As the maintenance commences, all eyes will be on how swiftly and efficiently NNPC can complete the process and return the facility to full operations without disrupting the nation’s fuel supply chain.
