NNPC Ltd to Temporarily Shut Down Port Harcourt Refinery for Planned Maintenance

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a scheduled maintenance shutdown starting May 24, 2025. This planned intervention is part of NNPC’s broader strategy to fully restore refining operations and lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

As preparations unfold, NNPC Ltd. is emphasizing transparency and accountability in its approach, engaging with industry regulators and key stakeholders to ensure the process is smooth and effective.

“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure that the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently. NNPC Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria,” said Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

Located in Alesa-Eleme, near the oil hub of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, the Port Harcourt Refinery consists of two processing units, one commissioned in 1965 and the other in 1989, with a combined refining capacity of 210,000 barrels per stream day. The upcoming maintenance is a key step toward restoring the facility’s full functionality and strengthening domestic fuel production.

According to reports, Nigeria consumes approximately 0.45 billion liters of petrol and diesel annually, with most of it imported by local marketers. While the recent launch of the Dangote Refinery has eased the burden of fuel imports, challenges remain, including inconsistent pricing and unstable government policies. Despite being Africa’s most populous country and a leading crude oil producer, Nigeria has lacked a consistently functional refinery. Government-owned facilities have struggled to meet demand due to persistent logistics and supply chain issues.