Egypt’s refining projects witness completion as the new Mostorod refinery starts its operations in 2018, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, disclosed. The project is one of the most important refineries treating mazut and turning it into light fuels, such as diesel and jet fuel, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The new year will further have the second phase of MIDOR expansion completed to increase its production capacity. Additionally, projects implemented by Alexandria National Refine & Petrochemical (ANRPC) will be finalized in order to boost the production of high-octane benzene, which will contribute in covering the market needs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum is adopting a petrochemical strategy that is focused on maximizing the usage of crude material and petrochemical products instead of exporting them.  The strategy aims at benefiting from these products in manufacturing industries to increase added value and boost the Egyptian economy, El Molla stated.

The ministry further plans to establish a number of mazut and diesel storage warehouses by 2018.