SOCAR unit takes part in tender to modernise Bukhara refinery

SOCAR Downstream, part of Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR, is taking part in an international tender by Uzbekneftegaz to modernise the Bukhara oil refinery. 

The Bukhara refinery, commissioned in 1997, can process up to 2.5 million tonnes of oil per year. It produces 18 types of petroleum products, including gasoline, Jet A-1 aviation fuel, Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, solvents and sulphur.

Uzbekneftegaz said the plant’s equipment was significantly outdated and required large-scale modernisation. The tender requirements include improving production processes, digitalisation and the introduction of modern production management models.

Cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz and SOCAR has continued since December 2023. SOCAR Trading currently acts as an intermediary in supplies of aviation kerosene to Uzbekistan from third countries. In the future, the company may also arrange oil supplies to the Bukhara refinery.