NNPC Limited announced on Friday that the recently re-activated Warri Refinery has been temporarily shut down for routine maintenance and will resume operations shortly.
In a statement issued by the company’s Chief Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, NNPC clarified that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), dismissing any such claims as “completely false.”
Soneye explained, “On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally paused to carry out essential maintenance on certain equipment, including field instruments that were affecting steady operations. These interventions are crucial for the production of high-quality finished and intermediate products, notably Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).”
He assured that the maintenance was proceeding as scheduled and that Area 1 would be operational again within a few days. Despite the maintenance activities, AGO loading has continued at an average of eight trucks per day, ensuring adequate supply for ongoing truck load-out operations.
“NNPC Ltd remains committed to ensuring a continuous product supply and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as we complete these important maintenance works,” Soneye added.
The 125,000 barrels per day refinery was re-commissioned just before the new year after being dormant for over a decade. NNPC had previously reported that the refinery was operating at 60% capacity.
In August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved a contract worth $1.48 billion for the rehabilitation of both the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
