Sinopec to submit RFP for new refinery, says Sri Lankan minister

Sinopec

NEW DELHI, Sept 3 (NNN-Bernama) — Chinese petroleum company Sinopec will submit a request for proposal (RFP) document to set up a new refinery in Sri Lanka’s south, said Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on Sunday.

The Sri Lankan minister said this after a meeting with Sinopec officials in Colombo.

“Sinopec Refinery officials assured their commitment to establish a new refinery in Hambantota and that they will submit the RFP before the deadline next week,” Wijesekera said.

The Chinese company signed an agreement in May to operate fuel stations in the country that faced a severe energy crisis during last year’s economic and political turmoil.

“Discussed the progress of retail operations, signing of agreements with dealerships, branding and commencement of islandwide operations,” Wijesekera said, adding that Sinopec will start operations across Sri Lanka by the end of this month.

Sinopec will compete for market share with state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corp and Lanka IOC, a unit of Indian Oil Corp.