Kehinde Fajobi
Oil marketers have begun lifting Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), but production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains pending.
The Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Harry Okenini, confirmed this on Friday, noting that while the plant is operational, it is not yet functioning at full capacity, according to The Punch.
“Right now, there is no production of petrol. So, we are not loading PMS,” Okenini said.
“We hope to load PMS soon. For now, only diesel and kerosene are being produced and loaded out for consumption. Hopefully, by February, we expect cooking gas, PMS, and other products to come out.”
The WRPC, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), resumed operations on December 30, 2024, following rehabilitation efforts.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, announced the development during a facility tour.
Israel Omokere, National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, also confirmed the refinery’s activity. “Hopefully, PMS will come on board. We are loading kerosene and AGO for now,” he said.
Similarly, Delta State Chairman of the same union, Kingsley Erituoyo, expressed optimism about the refinery’s return. “For so many years the refinery was down, today the refinery is up,” he said.
However, observations at the refinery revealed limited activity compared to its peak operational days. Sources disclosed that only one of the refinery’s three units is currently functional, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene.
“For now, only one unit is working,” a source stated. “If the second unit starts, it can produce PMS.
“Full functionality requires all three units to operate, which could allow the refinery to load over 100 trucks daily. Currently, it handles about 50 trucks.”
Journalists visiting the refinery reported restricted access, with security personnel barring photography. Industry experts emphasised that further efforts are needed from the Federal Government and NNPCL to achieve full production of petrol at the facility.