The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), clarifying that operations were deliberately curtailed to carry out scheduled maintenance.
In a statement on Friday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, described the reports as false, emphasizing that intervention works were ongoing to ensure stable refinery operations.
“NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at WRPC. Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.
According to the statement, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally reduced on January 25, 2025, to conduct maintenance on select equipment, including field instruments affecting steady production.
“These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on-specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero),” the statement added.
NNPC assured that the maintenance process was progressing as planned, with Area 1 expected to resume operations within a few days. Despite the ongoing interventions, AGO loading has continued at an average of eight trucks per day, ensuring a steady supply.
“NNPC Ltd remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted product availability and appreciates the patience and cooperation of stakeholders as it completes these essential maintenance activities,” the statement concluded.
