The Nigerian government has recommissioned Escravos-Warri-Kaduna pipeline to ensure that both Warri and Kaduna refineries receive crude simultaneously to boost production of refined products.

At the recommissioning of the 46 kilometre pipeline, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who is also the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said that the development would ensure that the refineries contribute to fuel supply and reduce petrol shortage.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Garba Muhammad, in a statement quoted Dr. Kachikwu as saying that Warri refinery had started working while Kaduna would start production at the end of the month.

The Minister stressed that for the first time in many years all the three refineries and major crude pipelines would be working at the same time.

Dr. Kachikwu stated that Escravos terminal was the heart beat of the downstream sector of the industry and critical to local supply of finished petroleum product as both refineries in Warri and Kaduna were majorly fed from Escravos crude stock.

“The challenge of this country is the challenge of focus and stewardship. For the first time in many years the three refineries are going to be working and it will help in a great deal with the issue of fuel supply and distribution across the country and it will go a long way to manage the fuel crisis,” Dr. Kachikwu said.

He urged Nigerians to be more patient, as the NNPC was working hard to end fuel shortage across the country.

“I appreciate the patients of Nigerians and I am committed and focused to make petrol available to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria,” the minister reassured. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Dr. Kachikwu.

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