WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Mele Kyari, has personally defended the blending process reportedly associated with the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, saying it is necessary to bring petroleum products to countries’ specifications. This was disclosed in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, on Wednesday. NNPC Ltd. also insisted that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is up and running, with loading operations in full swing, debunking contrary reports in some quarters. The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, gave this confirmation and clarification at the commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Towers in Lagos on Wednesday. According to Kyari, “Blending is not a crime, as it is an integral part of the refining process.” He stressed that blending is necessary to meet a country’s specifications and to ensure that the product is not harmful to vehicles. “If you don’t blend, you will end up with off-spec products, which will damage your vehicles. Every refinery blends because what is on specification in the United States of America may be off-spec in Nigeria and elsewhere. Blending is necessary to bring products to the specifications of different countries or regions,” he added. Kyari also congratulated NUPENG on the successful completion of its Towers, adding that the union should continue to prioritize dialogue and cooperation in its relationship with NNPC Ltd. and the Federal Government. Last Tuesday, NNPCL defended the outputs of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, maintaining that blending is a standard practice globally. The issue of “blending” has been a substantial point of discussion among relevant oil and gas stakeholders, including Dangote Refinery.
Port Harcourt Refinery: Blending is necessary to bring products to countries’ specifications – Mele Kyari
