Thanlyin refinery project phase (1) undergoes step-by-step operational testing

It is reported that on September 14, Union Minister for Electric Power and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin, accompanied by responsible officials, inspected the ongoing step-by-step operational testing of the Thanlyin refinery project phase (1). During the inspection, the Union Minister stated that currently, fuel shortages and price increases are occurring worldwide. He mentioned that the country is strictly managing the efficient use of fuel and striving for self-sufficiency. He noted that before the conflict in the Middle East, fuel prices were only about 30 percent higher than crude oil, but now they have risen to about two and a half times, necessitating the rapid establishment of refineries. He emphasized the need for systematic training for staff, as this refinery is the first to enable control, monitoring, and adjustment from within the control room. Subsequently, he inspected the Thaketa and Ahlone natural gas power plants, stating the need for efficient use of valuable natural gas. He explained that by improving the performance of the machinery, natural gas consumption can be reduced by at least 30 percent, and plans are underway for equipment renovation and replacement with high-performance machinery. Following this, he met with officials from the Ministry of Electric Power and Energy working in Yangon Region, along with the Chief Minister of Yangon Region and regional ministers. During the meeting, the Union Minister acknowledged the challenges and disruptions in the electric power sector but praised the collective efforts of all staff. He compared the average monthly electricity distribution from 2010 to 2026, stating that the current year has the highest distribution, averaging 1978 million units per month. He added that if power plants, substations, and transmission lines had not been destroyed, it would have been possible to distribute an average of 2240 million units per month. Compared to 2025, the average monthly distribution has increased by 21 percent. He attributed this progress not only to increased power generation but also to the identification and prosecution of electricity theft. He urged all staff interacting with the public to provide services with sincerity to establish an electricity supply system that the public can rely on and that is crucial for national economic development. Furthermore, the Chief Minister of Yangon Region explained the ongoing collaborative measures to increase the installation of electricity meters within Yangon Region.