Egypt is establishing two refining projects in Assiut, the biggest of their kind in Upper Egypt, with a total investment of $2.3 billion said Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The projects will contribute to achieving self-sufficiency of petroleum products in Upper Egypt, El Molla noted.

Increasing refining capacities is among the ministry’s top priorities, in light of the petroleum sector’s Modernization Program goals to develop the refining industry, boost production capacities through new projects to meet the local demand, and support Egypt’s national vision to become a leading regional energy hub.

El Molla’s remarks were during a visit to follow up on the projects.