- Tensions rise between the Port Harcourt Refining Company and Petroleum Tanker Drivers over accusations of delays in loading operations
- The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers rejects claims from PHRC, attributing the delays to lack of coordination in notifications
- Major associations in the petroleum sector, including MEMAN and IPMAN, express their intention to begin operations and resolve the dispute
There is a growing dispute between the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) regarding the loading of petroleum products at the refinery.
PHRC has accused tanker drivers of causing delays in loading operations, while PTD, represented by its umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has dismissed the claims as misleading.
PHRC has expressed frustration over the slow pace of loading at the refinery, attributing the issue to the reluctance of tanker drivers to take on loads.
In response, NUPENG's General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, has denied the accusation, stating that the refinery’s management is being “economical with the truth.”
According to Olawale, tanker drivers are only notified when there are products available for loading by the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO). He emphasised that drivers are always ready to load when informed by NARTO, and not simply due to the refinery's operations.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), have expressed their readiness to engage with the refinery and commence the lifting of products.
Operations appeared to be ongoing at the Port Harcourt refinery. The facility was processing petroleum products, and a source within the refinery confirmed that production had continued uninterrupted since earlier in the week.
At the loading bay, three trucks were seen being loaded with petroleum products, and seven more were waiting to be processed. Of the 18 available loading points, only three were in use, with tankers displaying the NNPC insignia seen within the premises.
Worlu Joel, the Terminal Manager of Port Harcourt Refinery, reassured that the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a division of the refinery, had maintained smooth operations, with a capacity to load 100 trucks per hour.
He explained that while 11 loading points were functional, only three were in use for the sake of efficiency, with each loading arm capable of processing three trucks every 15 minutes. Joel noted that there was no shortage of product and encouraged tanker drivers to come and load, claiming that the refinery had been ready to operate since the previous day.
Despite this, tanker drivers were slow to respond, according to PHRC management. Joel stated that if 100 trucks had been made available on Thursday, the refinery could have evacuated them within five hours. He attributed the delay to tanker drivers’ absence, particularly due to the weekend.
NUPENG's Olawale disagreed, countering that it was not the drivers’ fault, but rather the lack of coordination between the refinery and those responsible for notifying drivers.
In response to the refinery's claims, various industry bodies reiterated their intent to engage with the Port Harcourt refinery. MEMAN’s CEO, Clement Isong, stated that all available sources of product supply would be explored to meet market demand.
Similarly, PETROAN Chairman Billy Gillis-Harry confirmed that the association had submitted an application to the refinery and was awaiting a response to begin business dealings.
IPMAN's National President, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, expressed his pleasure at the refinery’s reopening, though he noted that the pricing structure for products had yet to be disclosed.
The resumption of full operations at the refinery has been warmly received by the local community. Chief Security Officer of Alesa Eleme, Dibia Isaiah, praised the refinery’s restart and dismissed rumours aimed at discrediting its management. Isaiah, who works as a loader, confirmed that trucks had been loaded regularly and that the community was eager for more shipments.
Dangote Group defends PMS pricing, fuel quality
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dangote Group discussed its commitment to high-quality and affordable Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The group warned that cheaper imported petrol posed risks to consumers and vehicles.
