Rompetrol expands Petromidia storage by 20% — NRG-IA

Storage expansion at Petromidia Năvodari — what happened Rompetrol Rafinare is expanding its petroleum product storage capacity by 20% at Petromidia Năvodari , Romania's largest refinery, through a multi-year infrastructure modernization program. The operator of the primary processing facility has launched the capital rehabilitation of five major tanks, a project essential for the refinery's operational flexibility, e-nergia reports. The works are currently in various stages of execution and are part of an investment plan focused on improving reliability and environmental compliance. Under this program, a primary distillate tank – a key component used in diesel production – has already been fully rebuilt. According to data published by Ziarul Financiar, the old structure was completely dismantled following rigorous technical assessments and replaced with a new unit equipped with modern safety systems. The storage capacity of this specific tank was increased from 5,000 to 6,000 cubic meters, marking the first completed milestone of the project. The upgrade plan continues with the expansion of a gasoline tank, which will be upscaled from 5,000 to 6,000 cubic meters. Additionally, two other units for diesel and components will see their capacities increased from 10,000 to 12,000 cubic meters each. In parallel, the largest site of this program focuses on modernizing a massive crude oil tank with a capacity of 57,000 cubic meters, a cornerstone of the refinery's raw material supply logistics. Logistics optimization and asset depreciation The need to modernize the storage infrastructure stems from the necessity to lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of industrial equipment at Petromidia and Vega. Since 2007, Rompetrol Rafinare has rehabilitated over 60 tanks across both production facilities, according to data compiled by Mediafax. This continuous campaign reflects efforts to maintain high performance standards in a highly competitive and volatile regional market. Another key factor is optimizing execution time and minimizing technical risks during construction. To accelerate work on-site, builders are utilizing an innovative technology based on hydraulic jacks. This method allows the tanks to be assembled from the top down, starting with the roof and the upper shell ring, eliminating major risks associated with high-altitude work and significantly shortening execution timelines for each unit. Consolidating fuel supply on the Romanian market The direct impact of this investment will be reflected in the stability of fuel supplies for the domestic market. Petromidia is the central pillar of gasoline and diesel production in Romania, processing 2.6 million tons of raw materials in the first half of 2026 alone. More than 70% of this production is directed straight to domestic consumption, with the remainder exported to the region through KMG International subsidiaries. By increasing storage capacity by 20% for the targeted units, the refinery improves its resilience against crude oil delivery fluctuations at the Black Sea marine terminal or potential unplanned production shutdowns. For end-consumers and distribution networks, larger buffer stocks serve as a safeguard against temporary diesel and gasoline shortages, limiting pump price pressures during peak consumption periods. Shareholder structure and 2026 deadlines While the exact completion schedule for all five tanks currently under construction has not been publicly disclosed, work is set to progress throughout 2026. Rompetrol Rafinare's management, led by General Manager Sorin Graure, emphasizes that the new systems are designed in compliance with current environmental protection rules, reducing volatile emissions from the tanks. The strategic stakes of these investments are closely monitored by the Romanian State, which holds a significant 44.7% stake in Rompetrol Rafinare through the Ministry of Energy. The majority stake is controlled by KMG International, with 54.63% of the shares (directly and indirectly). This mixed ownership structure underscores the refinery's importance not just as a private commercial asset, but as critical infrastructure for Romania's national energy security.