‘A flare incident’ — NNPC says reports of explosion at PH refinery false

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers, saying it was a “flare incident”.

Earlier Wednesday, media reports had claimed that there was a fire outbreak at the Port Harcourt refinery.

The fire was said to have lasted for 20 minutes but was immediately contained.

Debunking the reports, the NNPC, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, its chief corporate communications officer, said the incident was a controlled flare event that has been fully contained.

Sonoye reassured the public that there was no explosion, danger, or health hazard to refinery staff, surrounding communities and the environment.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has refuted reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State. The company clarified that what occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained,” the statement reads.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment.

Sonoye also urged the media and the public to “disregard any reports suggesting an explosion at the refinery, as they are entirely false”.

On December 2, 2024, PHRC said the refinery would reduce operations to accommodate facility improvements.

The facility also said it had commenced the distribution of products, including premium motor spirit (petrol), kerosene, and diesel.