The Port Harcourt Refining Company has resumed loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) after a two-week suspension that left many marketers stranded. The facility, which had been inactive without explanation, began loading operations on Saturday, easing concerns of prolonged fuel scarcity in the region.
On Monday, activity at the depot showed gradual progress, with trucks arriving at the loading bay. Observations revealed that seven trucks were cleared and began loading operations by 1:30 pm, with the first truck lifting petrol at 1:18 pm. By 4:30 pm, a total of 10 trucks had successfully loaded PMS, though the pace of operations remained slow.
Despite the resumption, only three of the depot’s 18 loading arms were functional, significantly reducing the facility’s capacity to meet demand. Marketers at the site voiced frustration over the inconsistent operations and limited functionality of the loading arms.
One marketer, identified as Liti, expressed disappointment, stating, “If operations were running fully, this place would be filled with trucks, and up to 50 trucks could load before 6 pm. The government needs to step in to ensure the refinery is working efficiently.”
The depot, equipped with loading arms for PMS, Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), has yet to begin production of kerosene and diesel, further limiting its output.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had previously assured the public that preparations for loading operations were underway, but the frequent shutdowns and slow pace of activity have raised concerns about the refinery’s reliability.
While the resumption of operations provides temporary relief, marketers and stakeholders are urging the government to address the refinery’s technical challenges to ensure consistent and efficient fuel distribution. The ongoing issues at the Port Harcourt Refinery highlight the need for long-term solutions to bolster Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
