The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) has resumed operations, with oil marketers confirming the loading of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) from the facility.
However, the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) has not yet commenced, despite the refinery’s recent rehabilitation.
The WRPC, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), officially restarted operations on December 30, 2024.
During a facility tour, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced the refinery’s partial operational status.
While oil marketers, including the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed optimism about the progress, they emphasized the need for the facility to reach full operational capacity and produce petrol.
Key Developments:
- Current Production: WRPC is presently producing diesel, kerosene, and gas from one of its three units. The second and third units, which are critical for PMS production, remain non-operational.
- Skeletal Operations: Observations at the refinery indicated minimal activity, with significantly reduced truck movement compared to its peak performance.
- Challenges to PMS Production: Industry sources revealed that additional measures are required for the second and third units to become fully operational. The second unit, once activated, could commence PMS production. The third and largest unit is described as complex and likely to come online last.
- Future Prospects: According to insiders, cooking gas and PMS production are expected to begin by February 2025. Currently, diesel and kerosene are being loaded and distributed to consumers.
- Stakeholder Reactions:
- Harry Okenini, Delta State IPMAN Chairman, expressed optimism about the refinery’s operations, stating that marketers are ready to load petrol once production starts.
- Israel Omokere, National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers (NUPENG), confirmed the refinery’s operational status and shared hopes for PMS production soon.
- Kingsley Erituoyo, Delta State Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, celebrated the refinery’s resurgence after years of inactivity.
The partial resumption of operations at WRPC marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s refining capacity, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
However, full benefits will only be realized when the refinery achieves 100% operational capacity, including PMS production.