PORT HARCOURT, Nov 27 – Staff at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have raised concerns over the blending of “Crack C5” with Naphtha at the Port Harcourt Refinery, warning that it could affect vehicle performance. The warning comes as the refinery’s secondary units, essential for producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), remain non-operational.
Staff disclosed that only the primary units are currently functioning, refining crude oil into intermediate products like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), kerosene, and diesel. Without the secondary units, PMS is being created through blending Crack C5 with Naphtha, an interim measure that has sparked apprehension.
“Blending is a standard practice in refining,” said an insider. “However, this is typically done using products from secondary units, which are yet to be commissioned. The current blending approach has implications for vehicles.”
In response to criticisms, NNPC Ltd. issued a statement reaffirming the progress made at the refinery. Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye announced that the old Port Harcourt Refinery is operating at 70% capacity, producing 1.4 million liters of PMS daily. He added that plans are underway to increase capacity to 90%.
The company clarified that the refinery incorporates Crack C5, sourced from Indorama Petrochemicals, to produce gasoline that meets specifications. “Blending is a standard practice globally, as no single unit can independently produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards,” the statement read.
The refinery’s current daily outputs include:
- 1.4 million liters of PMS through blending,
- 900,000 liters of kerosene,
- 1.5 million liters of diesel,
- 2.1 million liters of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), and
- Additional volumes of LPG.
NNPC Ltd. described the successful restart of the refinery, with its 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity, as a significant milestone after years of operational challenges. The company also hinted at substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, expected to commence operations soon.
Despite these assurances, some refinery staff remain skeptical. Insiders maintain that PMS production relies heavily on blending components from external sources rather than full in-house processing. “The plant is running, but the sections critical for PMS production are yet to begin operation,” said a source.
NNPC urged Nigerians to recognize ongoing achievements under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and avoid distractions that could hinder progress in the energy sector.
