WRPC: Marketers start diesel, kerosene loading, await petrol in February

Oil marketers have begun loading diesel and kerosene from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) following its recent reopening, but the long-awaited production of petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) is yet to commence.

The WRPC, which resumed operations on December 30, 2024, after a lengthy period of repairs, is currently operating below full capacity. Although the plant, now under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has begun producing and distributing Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), the production of petrol has not yet been resumed.

Harry Okenini, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed to newsmen that while the plant is operational, it has not yet started producing petrol.

“We are currently loading diesel and kerosene, but there is no production of PMS yet,” Okenini said. “We are hopeful that petrol production will begin soon, with the expectation that by February 2025, the refinery will start producing PMS and other products like cooking gas.”

The Warri refinery with a production capacity of 125,000-barrel-per-day is a critical source of fuel for much of the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.

“IPMAN, Warri Depot Unit, is waiting for the production of PMS so we can begin loading and distribution,” Okenini added.

Other key industry stakeholders also shared their optimism. Israel Omokere, National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers branch of NUPENG, said the refinery is up and running, but like Okenini, he noted that petrol production remains pending. “We are currently loading kerosene and AGO, and hopefully, petrol production will follow soon,” Omokere said.

Kingsley Erituoyo, Chairman of NUPENG’s Delta State branch, noted the significance of the refinery’s return to operation after years of being offline. “For so many years, the refinery was down. Today, it is operational, but we are still waiting for the production of petrol,” he said.

Despite these positive developments, sources indicate that the refinery’s output is still limited compared to its peak capacity, with more work needed before it can begin full-scale production of PMS. Industry experts suggest that further steps are necessary for the refinery to reach its optimal output and fully meet the region’s fuel demands.