by Godwin Orozo-
The National President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has refuted claims that the Port Harcourt Refinery is inactive.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, Osifo confirmed that the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) is functional and producing critical petroleum products for the Nigerian market. “For us in PENGASSAN, this is part of what we will address during our National Executive Council meeting,” Osifo said.
“From our checks, the Port Harcourt refinery is actually working. The CDU processes crude oil into various products such as Naphtha, AGO, DPK, and PMS, which are already being produced.”
While explaining the limitations of the refinery, Osifo clarified that it was not designed to produce aviation fuel but remains capable of delivering other essential products.
“The Old Port Harcourt refinery wasn’t designed to produce aviation fuel. Instead, it’s yielding Naphtha, AGO, and DPK,” he added. Osifo further disclosed that the Reforming Unit, responsible for processing Naphtha, is not yet operational.
However, an alternative blending process is being utilized. “The Naphtha is blended with Crack C5 to produce PMS. This ensures the refinery meets its capacity to supply fuel to Nigerians,” he stated.
The PENGASSAN president also addressed misconceptions about PMS production, noting that no refinery globally produces PMS directly. “No refinery in the world has a CDU that produces PMS in a single step,” he emphasized.
“Even the Dangote Refinery requires further processes to meet PMS specifications. It’s the same everywhere. The key is blending Naphtha with other components to achieve the required octane level.”
He urged Nigerians to focus on the output rather than technical processes, reiterating the refinery’s capabilities. “The refinery is producing AGO, kerosene, and PMS. That is what matters to Nigerians.”
The functionality of the Port Harcourt Refinery signals progress toward reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. Citizens are hopeful for a more stable and reliable fuel supply as the refinery continues to ramp up operations.
