President visits No. 1 Oil Refinery (Thanlyin)

President U Min Aung Hlaing inspected the operational status of No. 1 Oil Refinery (Thanlyin) on Saturday afternoon. During the inspection, the President heard reports on the implementation of Phase I of the refinery with the development of a modular refinery capable of processing up to 500,000 tons annually, with plan to commence operations in September. He also heard reports on the progress of Phase II, the construction of crude oil, petroleum product and natural gas pipelines, equipment production and factory construction. Upon completion of Phase II, the refinery is expected to meet about 60 percent of the country's gasoline demand and 50 percent of diesel fuel demand. The President said the refinery had previously ceased operations for various reasons and stressed that reviving the energy sector is a national priority. He said the refinery would create employment, reduce fuel imports, lower foreign exchange expenditure and supply locally produced fuel at reasonable cost. He also instructed the needs for a stable supply of raw materials, improved fuel quality and enhanced fire safety measures. The President later toured the Oil Refinery and viewed the exhibits at the Energy Museum, which displays Myanmar's oil and natural gas production history. He also inspected the Phase I construction site, and received progress updates while giving further instructions.