OREANDA-NEWS. March 16, 2009. Modernization of the second diesel hydro-treatment unit has been started in the Mazeikiai refinery. The works which relate to adapting of the particular unit to production of low-sulphur diesel should be completed at the beginning of April, reported the press-centre of Mazeikiu Nafta.

Low-sulphur diesel has been produced at AB Mazeikiu Nafta since the beginning of 2009, after the first hydro-treatment unit was modernized in autumn of the previous year.

Upon the second diesel hydro-treatment unit modernized, stable production of low-sulphur diesel will be assured. Reduction of sulphur content in diesel pertains to the new EU requirements which came into effect on 1 January 2009; the requirements provide that the maximum permissible content of sulphuric compounds in diesel sold in EU is 10 ppm (10 mg/kg).

Upon the diesel hydro-treatment unit modernized, stable production of low-sulphur diesel will be assured. This way, the particular product of AB Mazeikiu Nafta will become even more competitive on the European markets and will enable the company to improve its supply.

During the course of the modernization works at the second diesel hydro-treatment unit, the throughput will be lower than usual. However, this will have no impact on petroleum product sales, as the production process will not be interrupted because no other units will be shut down. The volume of petroleum products produced by the Company will be enough to meet the needs of the local markets.