Host communities in Okrika and Eleme local government areas of Rivers State have called on the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to strictly adhere to the 30-day timeframe set for maintenance work on the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC).
At a media briefing in Port Harcourt, representatives of the communities under the HOSCOM Bulk Petroleum Retailers of the Port Harcourt Refinery expressed concern over the recent shutdown of the facility by NNPCL.
Sunny Nkpe, chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of HOSCOM Bulk Petroleum Retailers, criticised the shutdown of a refinery that has yet to operate at full capacity since resuming work less than a year ago. He urged the Federal Government to appoint technically competent personnel to oversee operations and ensure the timely completion of the ongoing revamp.
“This refinery started steaming around October last year, which is why we gave our massive support. They say they are shutting down for repairs, which we don’t believe are taking place. We believe this is an attempt to shut it down like Warri and other refineries. We are therefore insisting the 30-day shutdown period be strictly observed,” Nkpe stated.
He further appealed to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, to appoint a new managing director for the refinery to ensure smooth rehabilitation and achievement of set goals.
Nkpe expressed confidence in the contractor handling the turnaround maintenance and urged the government to provide adequate funding to facilitate faster progress.
Tekena Ikpaki, Administrative Chairman of the organisation and chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Unit, warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline could result in artificial scarcity in Rivers State and neighbouring states reliant on the refinery’s supply.
He suggested phased maintenance rather than a complete shutdown to avoid halting product outflow, which could trigger panic buying.
“We know the refinery still has products in its reservoir, but if this reserve is depleted, on what product would the nation be sustained? So if they say 30 days, they should keep within that period to avoid artificial scarcity that would affect marketers and the entire nation,” Ikpaki said.
Inimgba Emmanuel, BOT Secretary and Zonal Secretary, Eastern Zone of IPMAN, expressed concern that the shutdown may lead to another increase in fuel prices.
“When this refinery was completely down, petrol market value was about N1,200. When it resumed, prices began to fall gradually,” Inimgba noted, adding that another hike would negatively impact marketers, retailers, communities, and Nigerians at large.
Joseph Obele, Administrative Secretary of the organisation, feared the shutdown could be a ploy to grant monopoly to a particular private refinery in the country.
Obele warned that allowing such monopoly would force Nigerians to buy fuel at exorbitant prices.
“He recalled that when a private refinery started operations around June/July last year, fuel was selling for about N1,300 per litre, but when the old Port Harcourt Refinery resumed in October/November, prices dropped to between N800 and N900.”