NNPCL DEBUNKS EXPLOSION CLAIMS AT WARRI REFINERY

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has stated that the Warri refinery is currently loading eight trucks of diesel and kerosene daily.

According to NNPC, this is due to the deliberate scaling down of operations on January 25.

NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, made this known on Friday while refuting reports of an explosion at the Warri refinery.

In a statement, Soneye dismissed claims of an explosion at the refinery complex, calling them false.

“NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company. Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false,” he stated.

Soneye explained, “On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations.

“These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil and kerosene,” Soneye disclosed.

The NNPC spokesperson stated that routine maintenance was proceeding as scheduled, with Area 1 expected to resume operations within the next few days.

However, he emphasized that the ongoing maintenance had not halted truck loading activities.

“Despite ongoing interventions, over the past 11 days, AGO loading has been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day, with a sufficient supply available to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations.

“NNPC Ltd remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted product supply and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as it completes these essential maintenance activities,” he added.

Recall that in December 2024, the NNPC announced that the once moribund Warri refinery had commenced operations.

The refinery was said to have commenced the production of diesel and kerosene while petrol is yet to be produced.