The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced a scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), set to begin on May 24, 2025.

In a statement on Saturday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, the NNPC said the shutdown is part of a planned maintenance and sustainability assessment aimed at ensuring optimal performance of the facility.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown.

“This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24,2025.

“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently.

“NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security.”

The company added that further updates will be provided regularly through official channels, including its website, media platforms, and public statements.

This is not the first time the refinery would be shut down.

It suffered a similar fate in December 2024, shortly after operations resumed following a $1.5 billion rehabilitation.

There has been claims by some people based in Port Harcourt that the refinery was never actually properly revived, but the NNPCL had continued to deny such claims.

The recent official shutdown brings to the fore the claims of the individuals who have been saying that the claimed Turn Around Maintenance by the management of the company is a ruse.

They point at Dangote Refinery, asking why the refinery never broke down since it resumed. They have also been asking where the purported petroleum products refined by the NNPCL is being sold and why Dangote Refinery should be selling fuel at cheaper rates and always reducing prices of its products, while the NNPCL struggles with higher prices.