BPCL’s joint venture refinery to stream in 2010

State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL) expects to start production at its new joint venture Bina refinery in Central India in the first quarter of 2010, Chairman Ashok Sinha said. Sinha, who is also managing director at BPCL, said that out of the annual production of 5.5 million metric tons, 47% will be gasoil or diesel fuel, while 10% each will be gasoline and jet fuel. The 120,000 barrel per day refinery is on track for mechanical completion at the end of this year. There is no change to the 50-50 JV arrangement between BPCL and Oman Oil Co., despite talks that Oman plans to raise its stake, he said. (June 8, 2009)