The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has clarified ongoing concerns about the operational status of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Amid rumors of a shutdown shortly after its much-publicized production restart, the association reassures Nigerians that the refinery remains functional.
Key Highlights from PENGASSAN’s Statement
Refinery Operations in Progress
During a live interview on Arise TV, Comrade Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is fully operational. He explained that while production is ongoing, certain limitations in the process exist, which are common globally.
Core Functions:
The refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) is actively producing Diesel (AGO), Kerosene (DPK), and Naphtha.
The CDU separates crude oil into various products, including aviation fuel (ATK) and other derivatives.
Naphtha is currently being blended with Crack-C5 to produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Challenges in Production:
The refinery’s old design was not optimized for producing aviation fuel.
The Reformat Unit, essential for processing Naphtha further, is not operational yet.
Blending Process Explained
Osifo emphasized the complexity of refining processes. Globally, no refinery produces PMS directly from a single CDU.
Instead, components such as Naphtha undergo additional blending to meet strict specifications like the Octane number, which ensures the product’s compatibility with vehicles.
Why Nigerians Are Skeptical
Osifo acknowledged public skepticism, citing years of disappointment with past government promises.
“Nigerians have every reason to doubt the government,” he remarked. However, he assured that transparency remains a priority, with PENGASSAN addressing concerns in its upcoming National Executive Council meeting.
Takeaways for Nigerians
Osifo urged citizens to focus on the refinery’s output rather than the technicalities of its processes. Key products like AGO, DPK, and PMS are being produced, affirming the refinery’s functionality.
Final Notes
PENGASSAN’s assurance comes amidst debates surrounding the refinery’s efficiency and the broader implications for Nigeria’s energy sector. While there are challenges, the refinery’s operational status marks a step forward in addressing the country’s fuel demands.
Copyright © NIGPOST Media Ltd.
Leave a Reply