KazMunayGas-owned Petromidia refinery in Romania starts production of new premium polymer

ASTANA. March 12 (Interfax) - The Petromidia oil refinery in Romania, owned by Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG), has started producing a new polymer grade - a polypropylene copolymer, KazMunayGas said Thursday.

The new product was launched following modernization of equipment at the refinery's existing polypropylene unit.

During initial production tests conducted in February 2026, the unit produced about 187 tonnes of copolymer, including the licensed grade J730 and a new grade, RRCP25, developed by the company. The tests confirmed the unit's stable operation and that the product meets customer requirements.

"The unit's maximum copolymer production capacity reaches 140-144 tonnes per day, opening additional opportunities to expand the refinery's product portfolio and increase the share of higher value-added products," the company said in a statement.

Following scheduled maintenance at the refinery and the unit's restart planned for April 2026, the facility intends to begin regular copolymer production.

The company said polypropylene copolymers offer greater impact resistance, flexibility and low-temperature durability compared with conventional polypropylene. They are widely used in the production of plastic containers and boxes for industrial use and automotive components.

KazMunayGas is Kazakhstan's national operator for hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining and transportation, representing state interests in the oil and gas sector.

KMG International owns the Petromidia refinery. It is registered in Romania and operates more than 1,300 filling stations in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and Georgia under the Rompetrol brand.