The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed claims of an explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), stating that such reports are completely false.
In a statement released on Friday, Olufemi Soneye, chief corporate communications officer at NNPC, clarified that no such incident occurred at the facility.
“NNPC Ltd. wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false,” Soneye stated.
He explained that on January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to facilitate necessary intervention works on select equipment affecting steady operations.
“On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations,” he said.
He further noted that the intervention works were necessary to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).
“These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).”
Soneye reassured that the routine maintenance was progressing as planned, and that Area 1 would resume full operation within a few days.
“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area 1 will be back in operation within the next few days.”
He also highlighted that, despite ongoing maintenance, AGO loading has been sustained at an average of eight trucks per day, ensuring a steady supply for truck load-out operations.
“Despite ongoing interventions, over the past 11 days, AGO loading has been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day, with a sufficient supply available to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations.”
Soneye reiterated NNPC’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted product supply and appreciated the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders during the essential maintenance activities.
The Warri refinery commenced production in December 2024, though its rehabilitation is still ongoing.
