
Oil marketers have confirmed the resumption of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), with the facility now producing and distributing Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). However, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) production has yet to commence.
Gists9ja reports that the refinery, operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), restarted operations on December 30, 2024, following rehabilitation efforts. NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced the development during a recent facility tour.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Harry Okenini, Delta State Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that while the refinery is operational, it is not running at full capacity.
“Right now, there is no production of petrol. We hope to load PMS soon. For now, only diesel and kerosene are being produced and loaded for consumption,” he said. Okenini added that cooking gas, PMS, and other products are expected by February.
Similarly, Israel Omokere, National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, stated that the refinery’s production of PMS is anticipated soon.
“For so many years, the refinery was down; today, it’s up. Hopefully, PMS will come on board soon,” Omokere remarked.
Despite the progress, Sunday PUNCH observed minimal activity at the WRPC. Sources revealed that only one of the three processing units is operational, producing diesel, kerosene, and gas.
“For now, only one unit is working. The second unit, which can produce PMS, is yet to start. The third unit is the largest and most complex, and it will be the last to resume operations,” a source within the refinery disclosed.
Industry stakeholders emphasized the need for further intervention by the Federal Government and NNPCL to achieve full refinery operations.
While the current output is a positive development, stakeholders and marketers remain hopeful that the production of petrol and other critical products will commence soon, addressing Nigeria’s fuel demands and reducing reliance on imports.