Petrol Loading Imminent as Warri Refinery Resumes Operations
The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company has commenced operations, with oil marketers loading diesel and kerosene from the facility. However, the refinery is not yet producing Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), with marketers eagerly awaiting the production of PMS. According to the Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Harry Okenini, the plant is working, but not at 100% functionality.
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Marketers have started lifting diesel and kerosene from the refinery, with the National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers, Israel Omokere, stating that the refinery is in operation and hopefully, PMS will come on board soon. The Delta State Chairman of Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, Kingsley Erituoyo, also confirmed that the refinery is up and running, but noted that there is still more work to be done for the refinery to commence full production of PMS.
Industry sources revealed that only one of the three units of the refinery is currently functional, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene. The unit is not capable of producing PMS, and it is expected that the second unit will need to be operational for PMS production to commence. Once all units are working, the refinery is expected to load over 100 trucks daily, but for now, it is loading around 50 trucks.
The commencement of operations at the Warri Refinery is a positive development, but there are still challenges to be addressed before the refinery can reach full production capacity. The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited will need to put in place additional measures to ensure the refinery can produce PMS and other products at optimal levels.
