Attock Refinery Plans New 50,000 Barrel Oil Plant

Attock Refinery Limited (PSX: ATRL), a subsidiary of Attock Oil Company Limited, is planning an expansion to establish a 50,000 barrels per day deep conversion refinery. This proposed facility would be state-of-the-art and dependent on consistent local crude supplies from northern fields and government assistance. The company aims to upgrade its existing plants to comply with Euro V fuel standards.

A key aspect of this upgrade involves installing a Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) unit, which will enhance PMG production and improve pool octane to meet Euro V specifications, eliminating the need for octane boosting additives and naphtha exports. Additionally, ATRL plans to revamp its Diesel Hydro Desulfurization (DHDS) unit, reducing the sulfur content of high-speed diesel to 10 parts per million.

The company has already completed studies for the CCR unit and DHDS revamp, estimating the project cost at approximately $600 million. Studi Technologie Progetti SpA, an Italy-based firm, has been hired for Project Front End Engineering Design and Project Management Consultancy services. Around 90 percent of the project FEED package has been completed, covering management, process, mechanical, civil, electrical, and instrumentation work.

During the year, ATRL contributed Rs. 156 billion to the national exchequer through taxes and duties and achieved foreign exchange savings of $167.13 million through import substitution and exports.