PETROAN announces the commencement of fuel lifting from Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. The move follows recent rehabilitations, with both refineries now supplying various petroleum products. The restart has sparked hopes for lower fuel prices and better fuel quality in Nigeria, as competition intensifies.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN) has announced the resumption of fuel lifting from the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. This comes after a reported shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery in December 2024, following its rehabilitation in November, and a similar situation with the Warri refinery, which resumed operations on December 30, 2024.
According to PETROAN's spokesperson, Joseph Obele, the refineries have started loading various petroleum products, including dual-purpose kerosene, automotive gas oil, and premium motor spirits. The Port Harcourt refinery is now selling petrol, diesel, and kerosene to retailers, while the Warri refinery is only supplying diesel and kerosene.
The reopening of these refineries, alongside the ongoing operations of the Dangote Refinery, has generated discussions around the potential for lower fuel prices. Industry experts speculate that increased competition among these refineries could lead to reduced retail fuel prices, a relief for Nigerians who currently face prices ranging from N965 to N1,100 per litre.
Obele highlighted that the revitalization of these refineries is helping eliminate adulterated diesel and kerosene from the market, benefiting both consumers and retailers. As the refineries continue to operate, it’s expected that they will have a positive impact on fuel prices and quality, easing some of the ongoing concerns related to the fuel market in Nigeria.
