Oil marketers have begun distributing Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and kerosene from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), with plans to start producing Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) by February.
This development comes after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently resumed operations at the refinery.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, had previously announced on December 30, 2024, that the facility was operational again following its rehabilitation.
During a visit to the refinery, Harry Okenini, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that while the plant was operational, it had not yet reached full capacity.
“Currently, petrol production is halted, so we are unable to load PMS. We anticipate resuming loading soon. I can confirm that the plant is operational, though not at full capacity. IPMAN’s Warri Depot Unit awaits the completion of PMS production in order to proceed with loading,” stated Okenini.
He mentioned, “Currently, we are producing and distributing only Automotive Gas Oil (commonly known as diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene. We anticipate releasing cooking gas, PMS, and other products by February. At the moment, our retail division is exclusively handling AGO and DPK.”
Israel Omokere, the National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers under NUPENG, also affirmed that the refinery is operational. He stated, “Currently, we are loading kerosene and AGO; hopefully PMS will be available soon.”
In the same vein, Kingsley Erituoyo, Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG in Delta State, conveyed his optimism regarding the facility’s restoration. He stated, “The refinery was non-operational for many years. Today marks its resurgence.”
However, during a site visit, it was observed that truck movements and activities were limited compared to the refinery’s peak operational periods. Additionally, security personnel at the main gate restricted any photography within the premises.
An insider revealed that just one out of the refinery’s three units is currently functioning, generating diesel, gas, and kerosene. “At the moment, only a single unit at the refinery is operational,” explained the source. “There are three units in total; however, only this one is producing diesel, gas, and kerosene.”
According to the source, the second unit responsible for petrol production has not yet been activated. Meanwhile, restoring the third and largest unit poses significant challenges due to its complexity. “With all units operational, we have the capacity to load over 100 trucks daily; at present, around 50 trucks are being loaded,” added the source.
Industry experts stressed the need for further action from both the Federal Government and NNPCL to attain full-scale production at the facility.
Peoplesmind
