Romania’s largest oil refinery, Petromidia, is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance works, according to refinery operator Rompetrol Rafinare, contradicting earlier remarks by Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan that the overhaul had been postponed.
The Minister recently stated that authorities had delayed the technical shutdown to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market. He also noted that crude oil imports had been significantly increased and that the Petrobrazi refinery was operating at full capacity to maintain supply.
He further said the government was working on restarting the Petrotel Lukoil refinery after receiving an informal OFAC authorization, which would allow crude imports and restore supply routes.
Rompetrol, however, clarified that production at Petromidia has already been suspended as part of a planned overhaul currently underway. The company emphasized that the shutdown follows a predetermined maintenance schedule and is necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the refinery.
According to the operator, the facility follows a structured maintenance program, including major general overhauls every four years and intermediate technological shutdowns every two years for additional works and inspections.
Petromidia plays a crucial role in Romania’s refining sector. With an annual processing capacity of approximately 5.9 million tons of crude oil, the plant accounts for nearly half of the country’s total refining capacity, making it the largest refinery in Romania.
