The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to accelerate the reopening of the Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt refineries. This appeal comes amid concerns over a looming 15% fuel tariff that could further strain fuel affordability and supply nationwide BusinessDay News firstnewsonline.ng.
Urgency Behind the Appeal
PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry emphasized that the tariff, expected to take effect before year-end, would significantly raise fuel costs unless domestic refining capacity is restored. He warned that continued reliance on imported fuel would expose Nigerians to price shocks and deepen economic hardship, especially in the System 2E region, which includes 13 states firstnewsonline.ng.
Port Harcourt Refinery Timeline
NNPC recently announced a 30-day repair schedule for the old Port Harcourt refinery, starting May 24, 2025. PETROAN has urged strict adherence to this timeline and called for the inclusion of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) blending unit, without which the refinery’s output would be incomplete. The association also recommended forming a stakeholder task force to monitor progress and issue weekly updates to ensure transparency BusinessDay News TheCable.
Broader Refinery Rehabilitation
While operations have resumed at the old Port Harcourt refinery (60,000 barrels/day), PETROAN is pressing for urgent attention to the second Port Harcourt refinery (210,000 barrels/day) and stalled works at Warri and Kaduna. The group criticized repeated delays and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by establishing a high-level panel to oversee completion and accountability firstnewsonline.ng.
Concerns Over Leadership and Funding
PETROAN also flagged the vacant managing director position at the Port Harcourt Refining Company as a barrier to progress. They stressed the need for timely contractor payments to avoid disruptions and urged NNPC to provide a realistic timeline for full commissioning of all refineries firstnewsonline.ng.
