Opac refinery, which is currently being constructed in Delta State Kwale, is expected to commence operations latest September. Opac is one of the two modular refineries the government hopes to commission on or before the third quarter of 2018.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) projects that upon completion, the facility will be able to process at least seven thousand (7, 000) barrels per stream day.

Opac refinery is promoted by Pillar Oil Limited, Omsa Limited and Astek Limited. Pillar Oil will be supplying about three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) tonnes of crude per annum to the refinery once the facility begins operations.

The facility is expected to come on stream in the third quarter 2018 and the DPR has granted it requisite approvals: approval to relocate plant and approval to construct plant in line with our effective regulatory process and in alignment with government’s aspiration to stimulate economic growth

The modular straight run refinery consists of the following modules: oil refining unit cru-350; heating furnaces; pumping stations; water cooling system; separation and preparation tanks; storage depot; control room with electrical panel; utilities supply and office facilities including laboratory; and truck-loading station-Department of Petroleum Resources.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has reacted to the ongoing construction at the Opac refinery, commenting that it is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the Niger Delta region.

Opac will produce naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil fractions upon completion. The refinery will have storage depot for crude and finished products.

Nigeria currently imports most of its petroleum products despite being one of the largest crude oil exporters in the world. Hopefully, this trend will change following the commencement of operations by Opac, as well as the many other modular refineries that are expected to be constructed soon.