CPC starts local production of Bitumen

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation ( CPC) has commenced bitumen production at the country’s sole refinery located in Sapugaskanda.

Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga was quoted as saying that, “Understanding the rapid growth of the local construction sector and the demand for bitumen, CPC re- strategised the operations of the Sapugaskanda refinery to support bitumen process. By commencing bitumen production locally, we hope to contribute towards the sustainable growth of the country, enabling us to produce quality material locally and save a substantial amount of government funds that would be otherwise spent on importing the finished product.”

The CPC said it expects an increase in profitability and enhancement in refinement once the processing commences locally. The ability to introduce bitumen at a competitive rate will positively impact the local construction industry by reducing their cost of raw material. CPC will also have a greater control over the quality of the product and believes that its fully- fledged laboratory with its skilled professionals will continue to maintain the quality to match international standards. In addition, the bitumen production also enables CPC to raise total diesel output by 15 per cent and furnace oil by 35- 40 per cent.

“With the first phase of production, we are looking at catering to 40 per cent of the country’s total bitumen requirement with a daily output of 150 MT. Further, with continuous improvements to the refinery’s processing capacities, we are aiming to increase the bitumen production to 225 MT per day thereby increasing the total supply to 60 per cent in the coming months. With increased production of bitumen, not only are we able to positively impact the local construction sector by providing locally produced quality bitumen at competitive prices, but also be able to enhance the values of the refinery to uplift small and medium enterprises where the use of bitumen product is high,” CPC Chairman Dammika Ranatunga said in the release.

Bitumen is known to be a crucial component as a binder in asphalt for roads, runways, parking lots and footpaths. Moreover, the material is used in countless applications from roofing, waterproofing, sealing and insulating for carpet tile backing, soundproofing, mildew protection, to bind blocks, backing to mirrors, on shoe soles, fence post coating, and soil stabilisation. Not only does it builds roads, but also is vital for all kinds of infrastructure and construction projects that are in progress in Sri Lanka, the release said.

Bitumen is known to be a crucial component as a binder in asphalt for roads, runways, parking lots and footpaths.