EMEA downstream update: Mid January

France

Earlier this month, French President Hollande refused to accept the nationalisation of the Petroplus refinery in Normandy. He did state however, that once a buyer is found for the facility, the government would be more than happy to offer the owners financial support.

India

Indian Oil Corporation has announced that its Paradip refinery project will begin commissioning phases as of September this year. All equipment has now been installed and despite delays, the facility is set to produce 5.97 million tpy of diesel a year as well as other refined products.

Iran

Inauguration of the Cheshmeh Khosh refinery is imminent and, once online will be one of the largest in western Iran. The facility has a processing capacity of 125 000 bpd of oil and 60 million ft3/d of gas. The plant has required investments of US$ 30 million.

Kazakhstan

KazMunaiGaz National Co. has announced plans to double processing capacities at three refineries by 2022. In total, the company will expand its capacity by 21 million tpy, this is nearly double what was processed in 2011.

Libya

After a visit from Oil Ministed Abdulbari Arrusi to the Zawia oil refinery it was confirmed that there are plans to expand the facility. This will be part of a countrywide initiative to increase oil production across Libya.

Mongolia

The Mongolian government have announced plans to construct the country’s first refinery. The facility will be online by 2015 and is to be located in the Darkhan province. Toyo Engineering Corporation of Japan has been contracted to help Mongolian firms construct the facility.

Nigeria

Earlier this month, 35 abandoned illegal refineries were discovered and set alight by security operatives. The setups were found in the Ondo, Edo and Delta states. The taskforce in charge of seeking out and disabling such illegal plants is formed of the Nigerian Army, the Navy, Marine Police and Gallery Security Services.

Vietnam

The Dung Quat refinery has set itself both revenue and production targets for the year ahead. Vietnam’s only facility is looking to produce 6.5 million t of oil and gather revenues of US$ 5.75 billion. The facility is also looking to expand capacity to 240 000 bpd.

Edited from various sources by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/15012013/emea_downstream_january_update-290/