Petronas digs deeper into Sudan

Sep 2, 2005 — Malaysian state Petronas has agreed to build a 100,000 b/d refinery in Port Sudan on the Red Sea. It will process high-acid crude, adding value to the Dar Blend from Sudan’s Melut Basin Blocks 3 and 7, in which Petronas has a 40% stake. Due on line in early 2009, the plant will sell products locally and export to neighboring countries in east and southern Africa. The project will be a 50-50 venture with Sudan’s oil ministry.

Aside from Melut, Petronas has interests in Sudan’s onshore exploration and production Blocks 1, 2, 4, 5a, 5b and 8 (EC Jul.29,p4). It also has rights to explore offshore in the gas-prone Block 15 in joint venture with state China National Petroleum Corp. Downstream, it recently acquired the retail assets of Mobil Oil Sudan.

Energy Compass.