Showa Shell to lead Japan in terms of secondary units

Showa Shell Sekiyu’s ratio of secondary refinery units to crude processing capacity will rise to 37%, from the current 28%, after the company closes a crude distillation unit, the company said. This compares with an average of 22-23% among Japanese refiners, and will improve the company’s competitiveness, it said. “That will be one of the highest levels in Asia and our facilities’ competitiveness will improve greatly,” Chairman, Shigeya Kato, told a news conference. Showa Shell earlier announced that it will reduce crude oil refining capacity to offset declining domestic demand. (February 23, 2010)