The Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), the highest body of chemical engineers in the country, has affirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is operational, dismissing claims by critics that the facility remains nonfunctional.
The National President of NSChE, Mr. Tony Ogbuigwe, made this revelation during an interview on Arise TV, stating that chemical engineers on-site have confirmed the refinery’s resumption after over two decades.
Ogbuigwe highlighted that refining operations are guided strictly by scientific principles, leaving no room for speculation.
He explained that the Port Harcourt Refinery comprises two sections: the old refinery and the new refinery.
The old refinery, known as Area 5, has been successfully restarted and is currently producing various petroleum products.
“The Area 5 of the Port Harcourt Refinery is indeed running,” Ogbuigwe stated.
“Chemical engineers on the ground have confirmed that products such as kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil are being produced. These products are blended to create PMS (Petrol Motor Spirit) consumed in vehicles and generators.”
He clarified the process of refining crude oil, emphasizing that operations at the refinery are being restored in phases.
The Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), a key component of the old refinery, has been commissioned and is producing straight-run products such as light naphtha, heavy naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil.
However, the Catalytic Reforming Unit, which processes heavy naphtha into high-octane stock, is yet to be brought online.
Ogbuigwe also addressed misconceptions regarding the blending process.
He explained that light naphtha from the refinery is blended with Crack C5, a high-octane product from Eleme Petrochemicals, to produce PMS that meets the 1991 specification standards.
“Every refinery globally engages in blending to deliver consumer-ready products,” he noted.
The refinery is currently operating at about 60 to 70 percent capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 percent in the coming months.
Ogbuigwe expressed optimism about the ongoing restoration, noting that full optimization of crude oil processing will be achieved once the Catalytic Reforming Unit is operational.
He also refuted claims that imported PMS is being repackaged at the refinery, stressing that all blending processes at the facility adhere to global best practices.
“The refinery produces various intermediate products, which are then blended to create the final consumer-grade fuel,” he explained.
Ogbuigwe urged stakeholders and critics to rely on verified information, as the operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery are a testament to the expertise of Nigerian engineers.
He further highlighted the critical role of the refinery in reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuel, enhancing energy security, and boosting the local economy.
With the refinery steadily scaling its operations, stakeholders anticipate improved fuel availability and a reduction in importation costs.
The development is also expected to complement the efforts of other refineries, such as the Dangote Refinery, in transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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