NNPC says no explosion at Warri refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

On Friday, NNPC’s communications chief, Olufemi Soneye, said any reports about an explosion are “completely false”.

“NNPC Ltd. wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false,” Soneye said.

“On January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations.”

He explained that this maintenance work is needed to ensure they produce proper quality diesel (AGO) and kerosene.

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“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area 1 will be back in operation within the next few days.”

Despite the maintenance work, the refinery has kept supplying diesel, with about eight lorries being filled each day over the past 11 days. They say they have enough supply to keep this up while the work continues.

Soneye thanked everyone for their patience while they complete this essential maintenance, promising NNPC would keep fuel supplies running smoothly.

The Warri refinery started working again in December 2024, though its upgrade work isn’t finished yet.