Activities at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) have picked up after a week-long halt in the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol. The sudden suspension had caused frustration among marketers, who were left without an explanation for the pause.
The refinery’s depot was notably inactive last week, with its usually bustling loading bay remaining empty. Reports from last Thursday described the depot as eerily quiet, with no signs of human or vehicular movement.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had issued a statement during this period, with its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, assuring the public that “preparation for loading operation was ongoing.”
By Monday afternoon, trucks were observed entering the 18-arm loading bay, marking the return of activity. The first truck began loading PMS at 1:18 pm, and by 4:30 pm, ten trucks had successfully lifted fuel.
However, challenges remain. Marketers at the depot voiced concerns over the limited functionality of the loading arms. Of the 18 arms at the facility, only three were operational, with the remainder still awaiting calibration.
Additionally, the refinery has yet to begin producing kerosene and diesel, which further limits its capacity.
