Oil marketers have commenced loading Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual-Purpose Kerosene from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), following its recent resumption of operations.
Dealers confirmed this development to Sunday PUNCH on Friday while urging the refinery to begin the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
The WRPC, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), resumed operations on December 30, 2024, after the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, announced the plant’s rehabilitation during a facility tour.
Speaking at the refinery, the Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Harry Okenini, acknowledged that the refinery was operational but not yet functioning at full capacity. He confirmed that marketers had begun lifting diesel and kerosene from the plant.
“Currently, there is no production of petrol, so we are not loading PMS. However, we expect to begin loading PMS soon. The plant is operational, though not at 100 percent capacity,” Okenini said. “At the moment, only Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual-Purpose Kerosene are being produced and loaded for consumption. By February, we anticipate the production of cooking gas, PMS, and other products.”
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, Israel Omokere, confirmed the refinery’s operations, stating, “We are currently loading kerosene and AGO, but we are hopeful that PMS will soon be available.”
Delta State Chairman of the same NUPENG branch, Kingsley Erituoyo, expressed optimism about the refinery’s progress, saying, “After years of inactivity, it’s encouraging to see the refinery back in operation.”
However, observations at the WRPC revealed limited truck movement and skeletal activities compared to its peak operational period. Sources at the refinery disclosed that only one of its three units is currently functional, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene.
“For now, only one unit is operational, producing diesel, gas, and kerosene. The second unit, once operational, will produce PMS, but the third and largest unit, which is more complex, will take the longest to come online,” a source explained.
Industry insiders emphasized that significant work remains for the refinery to reach full capacity and begin large-scale production of PMS. It was also noted that while the plant can load around 50 trucks daily with the current single operational unit, it could handle over 100 trucks once all units are functioning.
During the visit, journalists observed that the refinery’s main entrance appeared relatively quiet, with security personnel restricting photography on the premises.
