NNPC announces closure of Warri Refinery, gives reason

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced a temporary shutdown of operations at the Warri Refinery, citing routine maintenance, while dismissing reports of an explosion as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Friday, NNPC’s Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) had curtailed operations on January 25, 2025, to allow for necessary interventions on specific equipment.

Refinery Shutdown for Equipment Maintenance

Soneye emphasized that the maintenance work was deliberate and essential to ensure the refinery produces on-specification finished and intermediate petroleum products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel) and kerosene.

Despite the temporary halt in operations, the company confirmed that AGO (diesel) loading has continued at an average of eight trucks per day, ensuring steady supply for trucking operations.

“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area 1 will resume operations in the coming days,” the statement read.

NNPC reassured the public that it remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, urging stakeholders to remain patient as the maintenance is completed.

Warri Refinery Rehabilitation

The 125,000 barrels per day Warri Refinery was re-streamed in late 2024 after being inactive for over a decade. NNPC had previously stated that the refinery was operating at 60% capacity following its rehabilitation.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had, in August 2021, approved $1.48 billion for the rehabilitation of both Warri and Kaduna refineries, as part of efforts to restore local refining capacity.

NNPC’s latest statement seeks to quell public concerns and reaffirm its commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, amid ongoing refinery upgrade efforts.