The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will be shut down for a scheduled maintenance exercise starting Saturday, May 24, 2025.
The maintenance shutdown is expected to last for about one month.
Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, announced in a statement, “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 company is coordinating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders to ensure the process is transparent and efficient.
This announcement follows protests from indigenous fuel retailers in Eleme, the refinery’s host community, who alleged sabotage by some officials. Soneye refuted these claims, emphasizing that the refinery remains operational as preparations for the maintenance are underway.
To avoid any disruption in petroleum product supply, NNPC has assured the public of adequate stocks of automotive gas oil, kerosene, and other products during the shutdown period. “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,” he said.
NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable energy security and promised to keep the public informed through regular updates on its official channels.
