The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) are currently at odds over alleged inefficiencies in loading petroleum products at the refinery. The refinery blames tanker drivers for delays, while the drivers, through their union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), strongly refute these claims.
PHRC Blames Tanker Drivers for Slow Loading
PHRC officials accused tanker drivers of causing delays, claiming that despite having surplus products ready for distribution, drivers have not been coming to load as expected. Terminal Manager Worlu Joel emphasized that their loading system is fully functional and efficient. According to Joel, the refinery has 11 operational loading bays and a capacity to load 100 trucks per hour. However, only three bays are currently in use because they can handle the volume efficiently. Joel stated:
“Each loading bay can fill three trucks in 15 minutes. A single truck can carry between 45,000 and 60,000 liters. We have already loaded over 10 trucks today, and we expect to load at least 15 more before the day’s end.”
Despite having the capacity and products available, Joel expressed frustration, saying drivers had been slow to show up, especially over the weekend. He urged tanker drivers to come forward and lift products, stressing that the delays were not the refinery’s fault.
NUPENG Pushes Back, Calls PHRC’s Claims Misleading
In response, NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, dismissed PHRC’s accusations as false. He clarified how the loading process works, explaining that tanker drivers only respond when instructed by the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), who are contracted by marketers. Olawale stressed:
“We don’t just drive into the refinery and start loading. Marketers purchase the products, and NARTO informs us when and where to load. Whenever products are available, our drivers are ready.”
Marketers and Associations Ready to Lift Products
Despite the dispute between PHRC and tanker drivers, various stakeholders have expressed their readiness to lift products from the refinery. The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) confirmed their willingness to collaborate with PHRC. MEMAN’s CEO, Clement Isong, emphasized that all sources of product supply, including the Port Harcourt refinery, would be utilized.
IPMAN’s President, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, welcomed the refinery’s resumption of operations, calling it “good news.” He noted that marketers were eager to lift products but would await NNPC’s pricing details before making further moves.
Similarly, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) indicated they had already submitted an application to PHRC and were awaiting approval.
Refinery Operations Ongoing Amid Skepticism
When journalists visited PHRC’s Area 5 loading bay, refinery operations were visibly active. Although the site wasn’t bustling, production and loading were ongoing. Of the 18 loading points, only three were in use, and only tankers with NNPC insignia were seen loading.
A source within the refinery confirmed that production has been consistent, maintaining the refinery’s output levels. Community members and workers also vouched for the refinery’s activities, dismissing any rumors of inactivity.
Community Rejoices as Refinery Reopens
The reopening of the refinery has been a source of relief and joy for the local community. Chief Security Officer of Alesa Eleme, Dibia Isaiah, expressed satisfaction, highlighting the importance of the refinery’s operation for the local economy. He urged Nigerians to ignore false reports about the refinery’s status:
“Production is happening right before our eyes. We’ve been loading trucks continuously. People spreading false rumors are just trying to tarnish the management’s image.”
Isaiah added that he personally witnessed several trucks being loaded and anticipated even more activity in the coming days.
Industry Awaits Full Activation
As PHRC continues to push for increased tanker driver participation, stakeholders remain optimistic about the refinery’s potential to boost fuel supply. While disagreements persist, the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism, with marketers, community members, and PHRC management all eager to see a smoother operation in the days ahead.
