BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 1. The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan has announced a scheduled shutdown for the catalyst regeneration process and launch of the catalytic reforming unit at the Shymkent Oil Refinery from July 3 to 14, 2023, Trend reports.
The regeneration procedure aims to restore the activity of the SR 1000 reforming catalyst and maintain the production of RON-92 gasoline while having a malfunctioning raw material heat exchanger, T-251 (which is used in the production of RON-95 gasoline).
In addition, to investigate the causes of the T-251 heat exchanger malfunction and prevent similar incidents in the future, the founders of PetroKazakhstan Oil Products LLP, namely KazMunayGas national company and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), are conducting an investigation and developing an action plan.
To ensure the balance of automotive gasoline supply in July, the production plans have been adjusted as follows:
- Atyrau Oil Refinery: the production of premium RON-95 gasoline has been increased from 20,000 to 45,000 tons, while RON-92 gasoline will remain at a level above 100,000 tons.
- Shymkent Oil Refinery: the production of premium A-95 gasoline has been reduced by 29,000 tons, while RON-92 gasoline will remain at a level above 140,000 tons.
Considering the summer vacation period and the increased demand for RON-95 gasoline, major fuel station chains such as PetroRetail, Sinooil, Helios, and Gazpromneft are exploring the possibility of importing RON-95 gasoline within the framework of the Indicative Plan between the Ministries of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.