(Ecofin Agency) - The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has announced that Kaduna Refinery will resume the production of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS (petrol), within the next three months.

This was an improvement as NNPC stated that it had lifted the embargo earlier placed on 113 vessels, banning them from engaging in crude oil and gas loading activities in any of the terminals within Nigerian territorial waters.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated that the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) and the fuel section of the refinery would be brought back to life within this period to ensure that Nigerians continue to enjoy continuous supply of petroleum products.

“All the component units of the refinery, including the FCCU and the fuel section, will be fully rehabilitated for resumption of crude supply to the plant.

“You will soon have a different company; we must do all it takes to make this company a success.” He said

He however stressed the need for the establishment of more refineries, more importantly in view of the low refining capacity of the country, adding that NNPC is planning to build additional refineries.

NNPC stated that the lifting of the ban of 113 oil vessels is subjected to the receipt of Letters of Comfort from all terminal operators, oil companies and off-takers of Nigerian oil and gas as guarantee that nominated vessels, pending the outcome of investigation, are unencumbered and would not be utilized for any illegal activity.