TOR Offers Partial 24-Hour Service

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is now operating on a partial 24-hour basis, a move aimed at boosting production and meeting its targets, according to Managing Director Edmond Kombat.

Mr. Kombat revealed that operations have been extended beyond the usual 20:00 hours, now running until 23:00 hours and sometimes even 01:00 hours. This increased operational time is part of a broader effort to revitalize the refinery.

He stated that storage facilities at TOR are currently full, a testament to improved accountability. “What is delivered there for storage is precisely what the clients receive,” he assured, indicating an end to previous concerns about unaccounted fuel.

Addressing reports suggesting TOR should be shut down due to financial burdens, Mr. Kombat expressed optimism. “I’m happy to report that there has been a turnaround in the refinery’s fortunes,” he said, emphasizing that the improvements are being driven by internally generated funds and the dedication of the refinery’s staff.

The MD explained that a thorough “fishbone analysis” of the refinery’s assets and liabilities was conducted to identify and mitigate potential risks. Stakeholder mapping was also undertaken to determine who could assist in the turnaround process.

Currently, management is focused on connecting a new furnace, which is expected to increase TOR’s processing capacity to 45,000 barrels per stream per day (bpsd). “You have seen the work that is being done,” Mr. Kombat stated. “And in the coming days, you will see we’ve done all the test runs, all the flashing; everything is fine. In the coming days, everything being equal, you will see the flare-up.”

He added that the flare-up will be followed by a stabilization period, acknowledging the “discipline and sleepless nights” invested in achieving this progress. “There are times, at 01:00 a.m., we are all there to make sure that things that ought to be done are done. So, TOR has turned the tide, and by the grace of God, you will see what the refinery will become.”

Mr. Kombat also acknowledged the anxieties of TOR workers regarding job security, praising the unions for successfully resisting attempts to privatize the refinery’s furnace.

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