- Loading Activities Reignite at 18-Arm Bay, Trucks Begin Operations
- Marketers Call for Improved Operations Amid Ongoing Challenges
Port Harcourt Refinery Resumes Fuel Distribution After One-Week Inactivity
The Port Harcourt Refining Company has resumed the trucking of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, following a week-long halt in operations. The unexpected pause, which began two weeks ago, left many marketers stranded and raised concerns about the refinery’s efficiency.
A visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot last Thursday revealed an unusually quiet atmosphere, with an empty loading bay and no visible activity. However, by Saturday, reports emerged that loading operations had restarted, with 11 trucks successfully lifting petrol from the depot.
By Monday afternoon, activity at the facility began to pick up. Observations showed that operations were still slow in the morning but gained momentum around 1:14 p.m., when trucks started entering the 18-arm loading bay. Two trucks promptly lifted petrol by 2 p.m., while a fire service truck was stationed at the bay for safety. By 4:30 p.m., ten trucks had completed loading, with more expected to follow by 6 p.m. Seven additional cleared trucks were seen waiting to load at the Onyema gate, adjacent to the loading bay.
Marketers Voice Concerns Over Frequent Shutdowns
Despite the resumption, some marketers expressed frustration over the refinery’s frequent operational interruptions without any official explanation. Speaking at the depot, Liti, a marketer, said, “We are not happy with the situation here. If operations were running efficiently, this place would be bustling with trucks, and they could load up to 50 trucks before 6 p.m. The government needs to step in and ensure the refinery operates smoothly.”
Currently, only three of the 18 arms at the loading bay are functional, with the rest awaiting calibration. While the depot has resumed PMS distribution, it has yet to begin production of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as kerosene and diesel.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, had earlier assured the public that preparations for loading were ongoing. The gradual resumption of activities appears to confirm this, though concerns remain about the efficiency and capacity of the refinery.
