(Arabian Oil and Gas) -- Refinery and petrochemical integration is not just an option, but a necessity, says Bakhit Al Rashidi, deputy managing director, Planning and Local Marketing, Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). The largest refiners in the region, including KNPC, will be part of the high-level industry line-up at the upcoming Middle East Downstream Week, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 8-11 May.
Commenting on integration, Dr. Al Rashidi said: ⌠Cyclic trends in refining margins and a thin band of margin operation for overall profitability make integration essential to even out the margin vagaries. All new refinery projects essentially incorporate integration with petrochemicals as much greater savings in investment cost and operating costs would result.