OMV Petrom Plans New Aromatics Plant
Romanian oil group OMV Petrom is investing €130 million to add an aromatics plant at its Petrobrazi refinery. The new unit, to be installed over the next three years, will replace an existing facility that started production in 1961.
The project will double OMV Petrom’s aromatics capacity from about 50,000 t/y to roughly 100,000 t/y when it starts up in 2026.
OMV Petrom said its investment will ensure continuity of gasoline production with a benzene content of less than 1%, which is the EU’s regulated limit. At the same time, a larger amount of toluene will be obtained, which can give a better octane number for commercial gasoline but can also be used in solvents for the paints, adhesives and leather products industries.
"The demand for gasoline continues to be robust in Southeastern Europe. Other significant investments will follow at Petrobrazi, both in the technological efficiency of the refinery as well as in the production of second-generation biofuels," said Radu Căprău, member of the OMV Petrom executive board responsible for refining and marketing activities.
Austria’s OMV owns 51% of OMV Petrom and Romania’s Ministry of Energy holds 20.6%. The remaining 28.4% is owned by private shareholders. OMV Petrom is listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
