The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially announced the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) for scheduled maintenance, commencing on May 24, 2025.
This was made known today in a press statement by the NNPC signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
“NNPC Ltd wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown. This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025,” the statement reads.
This planned maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 after years of inactivity.
“Please be informed that the refinery remains fully operational. However, we are preparing to undertake a scheduled critical safety maintenance exercise aimed at ensuring the continued safe and sustainable operation of the facility,” it said.
The Port Harcourt refinery comprises two plants with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day.
It is undergoing a comprehensive modernization project aimed at restoring it to optimal functionality.
The maintenance activities are expected to address technical issues and enhance the refinery’s performance, contributing to Nigeria’s goal of reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
NNPC has assured stakeholders that the maintenance will be conducted efficiently to minimize disruptions in fuel supply.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently.
“This maintenance activity, which will follow global best practices, is expected to last approximately one month. To ensure uninterrupted supply during this period, we have adequate volumes of AGO, kerosene, and other products,” Soneye had earlier told The Punch on Friday.
However, the statement says that further updates on the maintenance progress and timelines for resumption of operations will be provided by NNPC in due course.
The company says it remains committed to revitalizing the nation’s refining capacity and ensuring energy security.