The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). This statement comes in response to circulating reports alleging an explosion at the facility.
NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the refinery is currently loading eight trucks of diesel and kerosene each day. He explained that operations were intentionally curtailed on January 25 to conduct necessary maintenance on specific equipment impacting production.
Soneye emphasized, “NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company. Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.” He further detailed that the maintenance works are crucial for ensuring the production of on-specification finished products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and kerosene.
Despite the ongoing maintenance, Soneye noted that truck loading operations have continued uninterrupted. “Over the past 11 days, AGO loading has been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day, with a sufficient supply available to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations,” he added.
Additionally, Soneye reassured stakeholders that the maintenance activities are progressing as planned and that Area 1 of the refinery will resume full operations shortly. The NNPC remains committed to ensuring a steady supply of products and appreciates the patience of all stakeholders during this period.
In December, the NNPC announced that the Warri refinery had resumed operations, producing diesel and kerosene, although petrol production has yet to commence.
