The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association (PETROAN) has confirmed the resumption of fuel lifting from the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, signaling a significant development in Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply chain.
In a statement released by PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele, the association revealed that its members have started loading various petroleum products, including dual-purpose kerosene (DPK), automotive gas oil (AGO), and premium motor spirit (PMS) from both refineries. This follows a brief hiatus due to the Port Harcourt refinery’s shutdown in December 2024, after a November rehabilitation, and the Warri refinery’s recommencement of operations on December 30, 2024.
Obele further noted that Port Harcourt refinery is now supplying petrol, diesel, and kerosene, while Warri refinery is currently focused on supplying diesel and kerosene. He stated, “PETROAN members are now loading petroleum products from these refineries, marking a crucial step in ensuring steady fuel supply.”
This revival of both Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, coupled with the ongoing operations of the Dangote Refinery, has raised expectations of a potential drop in fuel prices, with increased competition among domestic suppliers. Obele emphasized that the revitalization of these refineries has not only created the possibility for price reductions but has also helped eliminate adulterated diesel and kerosene from the market.
Currently, fuel prices in Nigeria remain high, with pump prices ranging between N965 and N1,100 per liter across the country. However, the return of local refinery operations has reignited hope for a more competitive market that could lead to more affordable fuel prices in the future.
