NNPC Announces Immediate Shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery

On May 24, 2025, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced the immediate shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery, a critical facility in Nigeria’s oil sector, citing urgent operational challenges. The decision, confirmed via a statement from NNPC’s Group Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, has sent ripples through the nation, raising fears of fuel shortages and price hikes. For Nigerians, who rely on the refinery’s output for petrol and diesel, this development is a major concern, with implications for transportation, businesses, and daily life.

Details of the Shutdown

The Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, was recently revamped at a cost of $1.5 billion and resumed operations in November 2024 after years of inactivity. Capable of processing 210,000 barrels per day, it was hailed as a step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. However, NNPC’s statement revealed that “unforeseen technical issues” necessitated an immediate halt for emergency maintenance. While the company did not specify a timeline for resumption, insiders suggest the shutdown could last weeks, pending a full assessment.

Soneye assured the public that NNPC is “working round the clock” to address the issue and maintain fuel distribution through existing stockpiles and private depots. “We are committed to minimizing disruptions,” he added. Despite this, long queues have already formed at filling stations in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja, with reports of panic buying emerging on social media.

Economic and Social Impact

The shutdown comes at a precarious time for Nigeria’s economy, already grappling with inflation and a volatile naira. The Port Harcourt Refinery was expected to stabilize domestic fuel prices, which have fluctuated since the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023. Analysts warn that prolonged closure could drive petrol prices above ₦1,000 per liter, straining households and small businesses. In Nigeria’s entertainment sector, where events like AMVCA rely on logistics, higher fuel costs could impact production and ticket prices.

Public reaction has been swift, with social media posts expressing frustration over repeated refinery failures. “We spent billions, yet we’re back to square one,” tweeted a Lagos-based entrepreneur. The shutdown also raises questions about the management of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, with calls for greater transparency from NNPC.

Government and Industry Response

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that President Bola Tinubu has been briefed and ordered an urgent investigation into the refinery’s challenges. Private refineries, such as Dangote Refinery, are expected to ramp up supply to fill the gap, though their capacity to meet nationwide demand remains unclear. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) urged calm, stating that discussions with NNPC are underway to ensure fuel availability.

Broader Context

The Port Harcourt Refinery’s closure is the latest setback in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, the country imports most of its refined petroleum due to decades of mismanagement and underinvestment in its refineries. The shutdown follows similar issues at the Warri and Kaduna refineries, amplifying concerns about the sector’s reliability.

Stay Informed

NNPC has promised daily updates on the refinery’s status, and Parrotainment will monitor developments closely, bringing you the latest on fuel supply, prices, and government actions. As Nigeria navigates this challenge, the impact on daily life and the entertainment industry will be significant. Keep checking Parrotainment for real-time news, alongside updates on music, movies, and sports.