Nigeria’s crude oil refining output has dropped dramatically by 92% over the last 10 years, according to the World Energy 2023 study, raising serious questions regarding the country’s energy industry.
The production level fell dramatically from a high of 92,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2012 to 6,000 bpd in 2022, indicating a major reduction in refining capacity.
The alarming information presented in the Energy Institute’s 72nd study confirms the conclusions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) 2023 Annual Statistical Bulletin.
Nigeria’s dramatic fall in crude oil refining capacity from 33,000 bpd in 2018 to 6,000 bpd in 2022—a decrease of 81% in production output—was also emphasized in the OPEC report.
Nigeria has four government-owned refineries, two in Port Harcourt and one each in Warri and Kaduna. These refineries can process around 4.45 million barrels of crude oil per day. Nevertheless, the nation still imports a significant amount of refined petroleum products.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of state for petroleum, had earlier stated that the Port Harcourt refinery will start up again by the end of the year, following many delays, in response to the crisis.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), echoed this sentiment when he confirmed that the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna will begin operations in December 2023, January 2024, and December 2024, respectively.
In order to restore the country’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, Kyari stated confidence in stopping gasoline imports by 2024 during a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
“I can confirm to you that the refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri will start operations by the end of this year; the refinery in Kaduna will start operations by the end of 2024. We plan to start the refinery in Warri early in the first quarter of 2024.
By the end of 2024, fuel importation will not be a topic of discussion. “I have high hopes that this will solidify,” he added.
In order to restore the country’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, Kyari stated confidence in stopping gasoline imports by 2024 during a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
“I can confirm to you that the refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri will start operations by the end of this year; the refinery in Kaduna will start operations by the end of 2024. We plan to start the refinery in Warri early in the first quarter of 2024.
By the end of 2024, fuel importation will not be a topic of discussion. “I have high hopes that this will solidify,” he remarked.
