The Mongstad refinery, Norway’s sole remaining oil processing plant, has raised production of jet fuel and diesel following last year’s supply disruptions. Equinor confirmed the increase this week, citing restored operational stability after maintenance delays and logistical bottlenecks affected output in late 2023.
Production at Mongstad, located 20 kilometers north of Bergen, had dipped to 85 percent of capacity during the crisis. The refinery normally processes 10 million tons of crude annually. Equinor stated repairs to key units and improved crude delivery schedules have allowed the facility to return to near full capacity, with diesel output now exceeding pre-crisis levels by five percent.
Industry analysts note the refinery’s role is critical for Norway’s aviation and road transport sectors. Jet fuel supplies had tightened in December after a fire at a critical processing unit forced a temporary shutdown. Diesel shortages also emerged when a pipeline linking Mongstad to regional depots operated below normal pressure.
Equinor spokesperson Kari Lund said the company expects the higher production rate to continue through the first half of 2024. She added that storage levels at Mongstad have stabilized, reducing the risk of future shortages. The refinery remains Norway’s only major fuel producer, supplying nearly all domestic demand for jet fuel and diesel.
The government has not yet commented on whether additional measures are needed to prevent future supply issues. Energy Minister Terje Aasland has previously emphasized the need for infrastructure resilience in the oil sector.
Source: tu.no