Warri Refinery's Operational Resurgence: Diesel and Kerosene Production Underway, Petrol Loading Anticipated by February
Warri Refinery's Operational Resurgence: Diesel and Kerosene Production Underway, Petrol Loading Anticipated by February
The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has recommenced operations, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's energy sector.As of December 30, 2024, the refinery has begun producing Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).Industry stakeholders anticipate that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, will be available for loading by February 2025.
Current Production Status
According to Harry Okenini, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the refinery is operational but not yet at full capacity. Marketers have commenced lifting diesel and kerosene from the facility.Okenini stated, "For now, only the Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, and Dual-Purpose Kerosene are being produced and loaded out for consumption. Hopefully, by February, we are expecting cooking gas, PMS, and other products to come out.
Similarly, Israel Omokere, National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), confirmed the refinery's operations, noting that while kerosene and diesel are currently being loaded, there is optimism that PMS will be available soon.
Operational Capacity and Future Outlook
The WRPC is a complex conversion refinery with a distillation capacity of 125,000 barrels per day.Presently, only one of its three units is functional, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene. Industry sources indicate that the second unit, once operational, will produce PMS, while the third and largest unit, being more complex, will take additional time to come online.
At its current operational level, the refinery can load approximately 50 trucks daily.This capacity is expected to double once all units are fully functional, significantly enhancing the distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria.
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