The Rashidpur catalytic reforming unit, started in 2012, was supposed to have been completed within five years, but since work could not begin on time, the work period is being extended.
The unit was established to transform the gas into petrol and then to octane. The project was supposed to have ended in June 2017; but now, may take another year.
Consequently, expenditure is also rising with added time.
The effort to produce octane was because this fuel is thinner than petrol and ensures optimum engine operation. The initial expense of the project was Tk. 3.54 billion which has now gone up to Tk. 4.97 billion.
Since the country needs 120,000 tonnes of octane every year, this project is being implemented from Petrobangla’s own funds.
Project Director Md. Soyeb, says “Since this is a different sort of plant, we faced a delay in getting the right company with the proper expertise.”
Construction of infrastructure is almost done and the equipment has already been imported, said the director.
The unit may go into operation next year, he added.
Talking about the rise in expenses, He said: “previously, the decided unit was 1500 which was raised to 3000.”