Sonatrach’s Augusta Refinery Achieves Impressive 7.2 Billion Euro Turnover, Highlights Commitment to Sustainability
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In a remarkable turn of events, the Augusta refinery, nestled in Sicily, Italy, and acquired by the Algerian energy giant Sonatrach from Exxon Mobil, has continued its upward trajectory, setting new records for revenue and sustainability. Sonatrach proudly announced in a press release on Tuesday that the refinery achieved an astounding turnover of 7.2 billion euros in 2022, marking a substantial increase from the 4.3 billion euros reported in 2021 and a staggering leap from 2.3 billion euros in 2020.
The announcement also revealed that the refinery’s operational costs for 2022 totaled 6.8 billion euros, resulting in a net profit of 400 million euros.
Sonatrach’s commitment to the Augusta refinery’ success was underscored by a recent visit from the group’s CEO, Toufik Hakkar. Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, Hakkar inspected the facility, examining production operations and forthcoming projects as part of Sonatrach’s strategic vision for the refinery, acquired in 2018.
During this visit, detailed presentations showcased the refinery’s impressive achievements. Notably, the facility achieved a production volume of 7.9 million tonnes of various fuels and petroleum products. Furthermore, the refinery excelled in operational efficiency, safety, and environmental preservation, which led to an improved ranking on the sustainability index.
In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, Sonatrach is investing in projects geared towards preserving the environment and combating climate change. One such project is the treatment of polluted water resulting from refining operations to meet Italy’s stringent environmental standards. Additionally, the refinery plans to replace outdated gas equipment with modern electrical alternatives, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Addressing the dedicated executives and workforce at the Augusta refinery during his visit, CEO Toufik Hakkar expressed his gratitude for their unwavering efforts. He commended their pivotal role in successfully transitioning the refinery to Sonatrach’s ownership and maintaining continuous production and marketing operations, even amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hakkar also delivered an inspiring message, urging the workforce to persist in their endeavors to further develop the refinery and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. Sonatrach’s acquisition of the Augusta refinery has not only proven lucrative but also underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, setting an exemplary standard for the industry.
