Orpic Logistics weighs plan for strategic fuel reserve

Having delivered a world-class fuel distribution hub and associated pipeline system, Orpic Logistics Company LLC — the fuel logistics arm of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) — is now weighing plans for the establishment of strategic fuel reserves for the nation.

The ambitious move is set to take fuel logistics to a new level in the Sultanate, effectively elevating Oman into the ranks of nations that have in place strategic stockpiles to secure their domestic requirements in the event of any emergencies or contingencies.

“We are continuing to explore options to increase the capacity of the Al Jifnain Terminal (the nerve centre of the company’s fuel logistics infrastructure), especially to explore opportunities to dedicate tankage towards strategic reserves for the country,” said Andrés Suarez (pictured), General Manager — Orpic Logistics Company LLC. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Oil & Gas in this regard, although right now there is nothing tangible or concrete (to announce). The plans are there, and the discussions are ongoing.”

The comments come on the first anniversary of the commercial launch of Al Jifnain Terminal – the centrepiece of the $336 million Muscat-suhar Product Pipeline (MSPP) scheme, billed as one of Orpic’s strategic growth projects.

The MSPP project comprises a network of pipelines that connect the Al Jifnain Terminal (located just outside Muscat Governorate) with Orpic’s Mina Al Fahal refinery in Muscat. Integrated with this network is a multi-product pipeline connecting Orpic’s Sohar Refinery with the Al Jifnain facility. A third pipeline connects the terminal with the New Muscat International Airport,