Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL) is considering a new 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) deep conversion refinery, provided it can secure reliable supplies of local crude from northern oil fields along with the required government support.
The company disclosed the plan in its annual report, describing the proposed facility as a state of the art deep conversion refinery.
ATRL is also working on a major upgrade of its existing operations as it moves toward Euro V fuel standards. The company said its expansion strategy is focused on improving the quality and specifications of its petroleum products.
As part of the modernization program, ATRL plans to install a Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) unit. The facility would increase PMG production and raise pool octane levels to Euro V specifications, while reducing the need for octane boosting additives and naphtha exports.
The refinery also plans to revamp its Diesel Hydro Desulfurization (DHDS) unit. The upgrade is expected to bring the sulfur content of high speed diesel down to 10 parts per million.
ATRL has completed the Licensor Front End Engineering Design studies for both the CCR unit and DHDS revamp. The overall upgrade project is estimated to cost around $600 million.
The company has awarded the Project Front End Engineering Design and Project Management Consultancy contract to Italy based Studi Technologie Progetti SpA. ATRL said around 90 percent of the project FEED package has been completed, covering management, process, mechanical, civil, electrical and instrumentation work.
During the year, ATRL contributed Rs. 156 billion to the national exchequer through taxes and duties. It also reported foreign exchange savings of $167.13 million through import substitution and exports.
The company was incorporated in Pakistan in 1978 and became a public limited company in 1979. It is principally engaged in crude oil refining.
The proposed 50,000 bpd refinery would represent a significant expansion of ATRL’s refining footprint, but its development remains conditional on sustained local crude availability and government support.
