- Around EUR 140 million investment
  - Capacity of the new unit: 150,000 tons/year of toluene and benzene
  - The unit improves the refinery’s production mix, energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact

OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in South-Eastern Europe, commissioned a new aromatics unit at Petrobrazi, following an investment of EUR 140 million.

“We are expanding our processing capacity for products that can serve as feedstock for the petrochemical industry, further strengthening the role of the Petrobrazi refinery within the petrochemical value chain. The completion of this project marks a key milestone in the refinery’s modernization journey and delivers on a strategic commitment to optimize the production mix by integrating higher value-added products. At the same time, the project reflects our firm commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, through the adoption of the most advanced technological solutions available”, said Radu Căprău, member of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board responsible for Refining and Marketing.

The new unit incorporates the Best Available Technologies (BAT) and replaces a facility that has been in operation since 1961.

The aromatics unit enables the separation of benzene from gasoline, ensuring the production of high-octane fuels in line with European standards. This investment also expands the production capacity for aromatics such as toluene, a high-value product used as feedstock in the petrochemical industry – in the manufacturing of paints and adhesives. In addition to improving the production mix, the unit contributes to enhancing the refinery’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental impact.

Following a complex commissioning process, the new unit will enable an increase in toluene production capacity at Petrobrazi by 50,000 tons per year, reaching approximately 100,000 tons per year. The project was implemented safely, in compliance with the highest standards of quality and environmental protection.

Over EUR 2 billion invested in Petrobrazi

OMV Petrom has invested more than EUR 2 billion in the modernization of the Petrobrazi refinery since privatization, focusing on operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Currently, the company is developing another major project of approximately EUR 750 million to build a sustainable fuels production unit (SAF/HVO), which will also include a green hydrogen component.

About OMV Petrom

OMV Petrom is the largest integrated energy producer in Southeastern Europe, with an annual Group hydrocarbon production of approximately 40 million boe in 2024. The Group has a refining capacity of 4.5 million tons annually and operates an 860 MW high-efficiency gas-fired power plant. The Group is present on the oil products retail market in Romania and neighbouring countries through approximately 780 filling stations under two brands – OMV and Petrom.