The Port Harcourt Refining Company has resumed the loading and transportation of Premium Motor Spirit, after a week of inactivity.
The refinery had halted petrol loading two weeks ago without providing an explanation, leaving many marketers stranded.
Last week, it was reported that the refinery appeared to be a shadow of itself, with the loading bay empty and no activity taking place since the previous week.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olufemi Soneye,
had stated in a release that preparations for the loading operation were underway.
It was however gathered that the lifting of petrol commenced with 11 trucks loading PMS from the depot.
It was reported that trucks began entering the 18-arm loading bay, with seven trucks arriving by 2 pm.
They started loading, while two trucks immediately lifted petrol. A fire service truck was also stationed at the loading bay, prepared for any potential fire outbreak.
While trucks were loading PMS at the bay, seven cleared trucks waited at the Onyema gate next to the loading bay when our reporter left the depot on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, marketers at the old Port Harcourt Refining Company depot, built in 1963, voiced frustration over the frequent halts in loading operations without any explanation.
They also expressed frustration that, out of the 18 arms in the loading bay, only three were functional, while the others had yet to be calibrated.
One marketer, who identified himself as Liti, said, “We are not happy over what is happening here. If operation is going on fully here you will see this place will be full of trucks and they can load up to 50 trucks before 6 pm.
“So let the government come and help us and make sure the refinery is working well.”
