The President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, has lifted the option of establishing at least one modern oil refinery in the DRC. Objective: to offer Congolese fuel made in DRC and contribute to lowering the price of the liter at the pump.

A delegation of experts led by the senior adviser at the College of Hydrocarbons in the office of the Head of State is on mission in Houston, United States of America, for talks with the American giant VFUELS.

According to Adalbert Jules Makutu Ma Mangwayaya, the purpose of their stay in Texas is to explore the technical capabilities of the US manufacturer of modular refineries crude oil. But also to convince US economic operators to invest in this field in the DRC.

« We came to visit the facilities of VFUELS and see its technical capabilities to invest with us in the oil sector especially in the downstream part, » said the head of the delegation.

Crude oil refining in the DRC

VFuels, with whom contact has been facilitated by GMF, is interested in building modern infrastructure for refining fuel in the DRC. With proven expertise and experience in several projects in West Africa, Asia and Latin America, this company has the ability to drive a project to completion.

From feasibility to turnkey projects, including basic engineering, fundraising, detailed design and engineering, manufacturing as well as operation and maintenance, VFuels reassures the success of each stage of the project.

In the case of the DRC, this company serving the oil market remains willing to install the modern refinery in two years to allow the President of the Republic, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi to proceed with its inauguration. Thus, Congolese could have the opportunity to consume the extracted and refined fuel in the DRC.

Reduced prices at the pump

The approach for the President of the Republic is to resort to solutions to reduce the price of fuel at the pump. Hence the need to invest in refining to achieve this goal.

« Here in the United States of America, the liter at the pump costs $ 0.60 (at a rate of $ 3.5 per gallon representing 3.8 liters). At home in Congo, the liter is bought at 1.32 USD. This contrast can not be explained. The will of the state dear is clear on this. We must manage to reduce the gap for the satisfaction of his people, « said the senior advisor Adalbert Jules Makutu.

While some believe that the time has come for the Congolese Executive to take action, a compromise is being negotiated with VFuels for the project to set up a modern crude oil refinery. in the DRC. The SOCIR plant in Moanda dates back to 1963. And its second-hand infrastructure was installed under President Kasa-Vubu’s mandate.

« We realized that the Moanda plant became virtually a bird’s nest and nothing worked. We were content only, even now, to store refined products that come from all over the place. Why not restart the refinery in our country? Asked the head of the delegation staying in Houston.

Emilie MBOYO