The Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited (ERPCL) has expressed worry about the shortage of crude oil supply, a challenge that has hindered its operations.

The management of AIPCC Energy Limited, operators of the refinery revealed in a statement that it has struggled for the past three years to secure the necessary feedstock to run at full capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Segun Okeni shared his frustration about the crude oil supply issues, adding that the refinery has not been able meet its production targets because of the situation.

He stated: "On August 18, 2021, our team, led by our chairman, met with the NNPC GCEO and top management to discuss our intention to purchase crude oil from NNPC, and we promptly submitted a formal request for supply.

"In July 2022, NNPC representatives visited our facility for a site inspection to verify the mechanical completion of the Edo refinery.

"By September 2022, we were invited for a commercial negotiation meeting with the NNPC to discuss terms, after which we sent a follow-up letter identifying potential oil fields for crude offtake.

"In March 2022, we also wrote to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, informing them of our refinery's status, upcoming projects, and the challenges we face due to the lack of crude oil supply.

"Additionally, between November 2022 and March 2023, we engaged with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), highlighting our urgent need for crude oil supply from oil fields where NEPL holds equity stakes."

"ERPCL also has a Crude Oil Supply Agreement with ND Western to lift crude oil from the Ughelli Pumping Station (UPS), which is owned by NEPL and operated by Shoreline.

"Despite holding several meetings with Shoreline and Heritage Oil and expressing our readiness to make the necessary modifications to offtake crude oil from the UPS, no progress has been made to date."