The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has clarified that its operations were not halted but temporarily scaled down for technical upgrades. This comes amid concerns from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) about the rumored N1,030 per liter price of petrol from the facility. While PHRC continues to distribute petrol, kerosene, and diesel, low turnout from tanker drivers and pricing controversies have stirred debate.
IPMAN, citing competition from cheaper options, has threatened to avoid purchasing from PHRC if the price is confirmed. NNPCL has denied the pricing claims and emphasized that distribution is currently limited to its retail outlets, with periodic price reviews planned.
Energy experts have noted that the PHRC is blending components to produce petrol, a standard global practice during refinery upgrades. However, the projected cost of blended petrol ranges between N860 and N870 per liter, far below the rumored N1,030 price.
The pricing issue reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector, including cost management and the sustainability of refining processes.