Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, reviewed the progress of Assuit Oil Refining Company’s (ASORC) Octane complex, as it is currently undergoing trial operations, in addition to Assiut National Oil Processing Company’s (ANOPC) hydrocracking complex. Both complexes are valued at $3.4 billion as part of the state’s and the ministry’s plan to increase investments and expand projects in Upper Egypt.

El Molla stated that ASORC’s trial operation are going as scheduled crediting that to the state’s support and cooperation between Enppi, Petrojet, and Assiut Refining Company (ARC). The project aims to produce 800,000 tons annually of all octane types to meet the demand of Upper Egypt’s governorates.

As for the hydrocracking complex, the project has a production capacity of 2.8 million tons (mmt) of diesel per year, 400,000 tons of Naphtha to produce high-value octane, and 100,000 tons of butane, 300,000 tons of coal, and 66,000 tons of sulfur per year. The project aligns with the state’s strategy to maximize its resources through investing in Upper Egypt to achieve self-sufficiency of gasoline and diesel by 2023. The minister noted that in addition to these projects, the ministry aims, in cooperation with governors, to increase the number of natural gas supply stations and increase the number of households connected to natural gas.

On the sidelines, El Molla headed the Petroleum Geographical Committee meeting to discuss the development of the geographical area. The minister highlighted the need for its development so that all projects operating in the area are in line with international standards, achieve environmental compatibility, and implement digital transformation in management activities.