The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disclosed that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence full operations before the end of the year, despite delays in its commencement.

According to insiders, the refinery has completed its overhaul and is already producing petroleum products, but NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, wants to ensure that everything works at maximum capacity before launching.

This revelation emerged during a media parley in Effurun, Delta State, where journalists gathered to discuss pressing issues in the oil and gas sector.

Solomon Oseagah, one of the media conveners, noted that the refinery’s delays are not due to technical unpreparedness but rather NNPCL’s commitment to ensuring maximum capacity.

“Once the remaining issues are resolved, President Bola Tinubu will commission the facility, which is already in production and expected to be officially inaugurated by year-end,” Oseagah stated.

NNPCL is tackling challenges regarding petroleum product availability and refinery delays head-on, Oseagah assured.

“All setbacks are being diligently addressed to avoid a situation where the refinery produces for a few months and shuts down for repairs again.”

Oseagah said there is need for thorough fact-checking and objectivity in reporting on NNPCL’s activities. He defended NNPCL’s position in the ongoing controversies with Dangote Refinery, stressing that the corporation’s actions aim to ensure the proper functioning of the Nigerian petroleum industry.

“NNPCL has no pricing authority over Dangote Refinery,” Oseagah clarified.

“Market forces determine prices under the deregulated system.”