Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that the Sapugaskanda refinery will recommence operations on December 16.

A statement issued by the CPC states that a shipment of 90,000 MT of crude oil arrived at the Colombo harbour and its unloading process has already begun.

Furthermore, the procurement process required to import another shipment of 90,000 MT of crude oil has already been completed, the statement adds.

The CPC has also expressed confidence that the refinery will be able to recommence its production and continue at full capacity since the maintenance work was carried out properly under the supervision of the engineers, although it remained closed for several days.

At full capacity, the refinery production process can release 1,600 MT of diesel, 550 MT of petrol, 950 MT of kerosene and aviation fuel to the local markets per day, it adds.The CPC has also noted that in addition 1,450 MT of furnace oil and 450 MT of naphtha can be released to the local market on a daily basis.

Moreover, it highlights that the CPC expects to earn foreign remittances through the production and distribution of high-quality aviation fuel through the refinery.The CPC is also hopeful to continuously supply furnace oil and naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for power generation, and to properly supply kerosene for low-income families and the fishing community, it said.