The management of AIPCC Energy Limited, operators of the Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited (ERPCL), has decried the persistent shortage of crude oil supply hindering its operations.
Despite being a fully functional 1,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery, the company remains idle due to insufficient raw material.
This development is contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s directive for increased crude oil supply to local refineries.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, Segun Okeni, a company representative, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the refinery’s inability to operate at full capacity.
Okeni revealed that existing supply agreements with Seplat Energy and ND Western since 2022 have been hampered by bureaucratic obstacles. Despite numerous attempts to secure crude oil from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) through letters, meetings, and site inspections, the Edo refinery has yet to receive adequate supply.
The company has called on the NNPC and other crude oil suppliers to expedite the process of providing loading infrastructure to facilitate smooth operations.
It is noteworthy that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has also reported similar challenges in securing its allocated crude oil quota.
