Efforts should be made to expand the refinery’s capacity while simultaneously enhancing its long-term operational sustainability, economic viability and product quality.
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech in honour of commissioning Thanlyin Oil Refinery (Phase I) under the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in Thanlyin yesterday morning.
At the opening ceremony, the President viewed the scale model of the refinery, documentary photos of the previous refinery, and inspection tours of the Head of State displayed at the main control room.
The President pressed the button to supply raw materials for launching the refinery and inspected the main control room.
The Union Minister for Electricity and Energy reported to the President on the production process of fuel oils.
Speaking on the occasion, the President underlined that when constructing and operating a new oil refinery today, it is necessary to systematically manage not only the construction of the refinery itself but also the adequate supply of raw materials, production capacity, product quality, and economic profitability simultaneously.
With regard to energy projects, the President stressed the need to take a balanced approach to enhancing production capacity, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency, developing technology and human resources, maintaining workplace safety, and protecting the environment.
The President urged the officials to continuously monitor and assess refinery operations, production capacity, equipment maintenance, energy consumption and product quality, and to promptly identify the causes of any gaps between the set targets and actual results and take corrective measures accordingly.
In implementing the second phase of the project, the President guided officials to look beyond refinery construction alone to ensure the production of the targeted high-grade fuels and petrochemical products. Once all phases of the project are completed and the refinery becomes operational, the project’s viability and benefits must be carefully assessed based on its actual production capacity, product range, domestic market demand and raw material availability.
The President noted that efforts should also be made simultaneously to enhance its long-term operational sustainability, economic viability and product quality along with increasing the refinery’s capacity. Priority should be given to ensuring the efficient utilization of available crude oil and the continuous supply of necessary raw materials.
He emphasized the timely and efficient distribution of products while efforts are being made to control costs. Increasing domestic fuel production is not intended solely to substitute for imports, but also to reduce foreign currency expenditure, supply the energy required by domestic manufacturing sectors, and generate sustainable long-term economic benefits for the State. To achieve these objectives, costs must be comprehensively reviewed and effectively managed at every stage of the process, from raw material procurement to oil refining, storage and distribution.
Furthermore, the President pointed out that the long-term success of a modern oil refinery depends not only on modern equipment and technology but also on the availability of local experts and skilled technicians who can use these technologies effectively, urging the Ministry of Electricity and Energy to prioritize human resource development.
The Union Minister for Electricity and Energy reported on the implementation of Phase I of the refinery and plans.
The President and State dignitaries watched a documentary video clip on the implementation of Phase I of the refinery.
After the ceremony, the President gave necessary guidance on the implementation of the second phase of the refinery to the Union minister.
The President and State dignitaries observed the historical exhibits and equipment on Myanmar’s oil and natural gas production displayed at the Energy Museum, which was opened to mark the centenary of the Thanlyin Oil Refinery. — MNA/TTA
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