Understanding Blending’s Impact on Product Specification in Refineries
Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has defended the operations of the Port Harcourt (PH) refinery, emphasizing the importance of blending to meet product specifications.
Kyari’s comments came in response to concerns regarding the refinery’s efficiency and its ability to meet the country’s fuel demands.
According to Kyari, blending is a standard practice in refinery operations, particularly when it comes to producing refined petroleum products that meet the required quality standards.
He explained that the process of blending various feedstocks ensures that the final products — such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene — conform to national and international specifications for safety, performance, and environmental standards.
Kyari also reassured stakeholders that efforts were being made to ensure the refinery’s optimal performance, citing ongoing upgrades and repairs aimed at improving output and efficiency.
Despite the challenges faced by the refinery in the past, including technical and logistical issues, Kyari remained optimistic that the PH refinery would continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, contributing to the country’s goal of self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.