Nigeria - Port Harcourt - Alesa-Eleme.

The refinery at Alesa-Eleme near Port Harcourt is the oldest in Nigeria. Shell-BP Petroleum Refining Co. was formed in 1960 to build and operate the plant. In 1962, the state acquired 50% in this and Nigerian Petroleum Refining Co. (NPRC) was formed. Work was completed at a cost of N20m and the plant came on stream in 1965 with a 35,000 b/d capacity. In July 1967 operations were stopped with the start of a civil war.

The plant was recommissioned in May 1970. In 1985, the state took over Shell-BP's equity. Its capacity was increased to 60,000 b/d. A major fire in 1988 caused its closure. Another big fire in 1991 kept it closed until late 1993, during which the plant was upgraded to produce higher octane gasoline. But the plant was shut for long periods in the subsequent years. It went back to operation after repairs in May 1999. It was closed in 2003 and in 2006.

The refinery has been supplied with crude oils by pipeline from nearby fields and from across the Niger River. Its output has included premium and regular gasoline, LPG for domestic use, kerosine for households, jet kerosine, gasoil, and low pour and high pour fuel oils for industry.

This plant and the second Port Harcourt refinery, however, are not operating as they have run out of crude oil. It is not clear when they would be able to resume operations.

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