The Port Harcourt Refining Company is reportedly set for a 30-day maintenance shutdown, a move that has sparked concern and resistance from fuel retailers in host communities.
According to Saturday PUNCH, some sources claimed the refinery was shut down on Thursday night. However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) maintained that the facility was still operational as of Friday.
Retailers based in Eleme and Okrika—host communities to the refinery—have criticised the planned closure, saying it was ordered without adequate explanation. They allege that the refinery coordinator, Bayo Adenrele, initiated the shutdown for undisclosed reasons.
In a joint statement, leaders of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) expressed their disapproval. The statement was signed by Board of Trustees Chairman Sunny Nkpe, BoT Secretary Emmanuel Inimgba, Administrative Secretary and spokesman Dr Joseph Obele, Administrative Chairman Tekena Ikpaiki, and board member Dickson Obelley.
They urged transparency from the refinery’s management and called for an immediate halt to the shutdown plan, warning of its potential impact on local fuel supply and the broader economy.
