The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), describing them as “completely false”.
According to NNPC’s communications chief, Olufemi Soneye, the refinery is currently undergoing routine maintenance, which has led to a temporary shutdown of operations at WRPC Area 1.
Soneye explained that the maintenance work, which began on January 25, 2025, is necessary to ensure the production of high-quality diesel and kerosene.
“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area 1 will be back in operation within the next few days,” he assured.
Despite the maintenance work, he said the refinery has continued to supply diesel, with approximately eight lorries being filled daily over the past 11 days. Soneye attributed this to the refinery’s sufficient supply, which will be maintained while the work continues.
The Warri refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, resumed operations in December 2024, after a period of inactivity.