The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has claimed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) shut down the Port Harcourt Refining Company in a bid to save face. According to IPMAN, the shutdown holds little significance for the domestic petrol market, noting that the refinery had not produced petrol for nearly three months prior to the announcement. Similarly, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) argued that without a functioning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) blending unit, the refinery adds no real value. They also asserted that the proposed 30-day maintenance window would be insufficient to complete necessary repairs. Speaking to our correspondent, IPMAN’s Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, questioned the timing of NNPC’s shutdown announcement, stating that the facility had been inactive for months. NNPC formally confirmed the shutdown on Saturday, citing routine maintenance. In a statement, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the one-month maintenance began on Saturday, May 24, corroborating an earlier report by our correspondent. “NNPC Ltd wishes to inform the general public that the Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown. This scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence on May 24, 2025,” he said. Soneye added that the company was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficiency and transparency during the exercise. “We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, 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 for Nigeria. Further updates will be provided regularly through our official channels, including our website, media platforms, and public statements,” he stated. Punch Newspapers