Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Federal Government for rebuilding and renovating the Port Harcourt refinery. The group also praised the FG for running the refinery for 180 days nonstop.
The publicity secretary of the association, Joseph Obele appreciated Tecnimont Nigeria Limited for its expertise in the rehabilitation of the refinery. More so, the association also commended the host communities for their support and cooperation during the process of rehabilitating the Port Harcourt refinery.
Obele added that the development has ensured a consistent flow of petroleum and also eliminated the circulation of fake diesel. Also, he complimented the managing director of the refinery, Ibrahim Onoja for his commitment towards the renovation of the facility.
However, the group raised concerns over panic buying across the country, assuring citizens of a consistent supply of petroleum in Nigeria. Likewise, PETROAN emphasized that the revitalization of the refinery would have a positive impact on security, economic growth and job creation in the country.
The association noted that the development will reinforce the nation’s path toward self-sufficiency in refining crude oil.
Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt refinery has been reportedly dormant for over 20 years but resumed operations through a loan executed by Tecnimont Nigeria. The industrial plant has however been running continuously for 180 days after its reopening for operations in October 2024.
In a separate statement, PETROAN addressed the speculation that the ongoing panic buy in the country is due to the suspension of Dangote refinery deal with the NNPCL. Consequently, the group clarified that the claims were false and unjustified as Nigeria’s fuel supply did not rely on the private refinery.
The statement emphasized that Nigeria operates two functional refineries, alongside modular refineries and importers supplying petroleum products to the market. Lastly, the group urged Nigerians to put to rest concerns about petrol scarcity, assuring them there is enough supply.
