A major strategic undertaking aimed at boosting domestic refining, processing, and hydrocarbon value-addition capabilities, the new Hassi Messaoud crude oil refinery located within the Haoud El-Hamra district underwent an inspection Tuesday by Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab, who underscored the urgency of intensifying efforts and marshalling all resources to guarantee operational launch within scheduled timeframes.
Algeria seeks swift execution regarding this key infrastructure asset. Construction work on the fresh petroleum processing plant, which launched during 2024, remains subject to rigorous oversight by government authorities. Tuesday, Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab conducted an operational site visit across production facilities near Hassi Messaoud alongside the active construction ground of the new Hassi Messaoud oil refinery (RHM3). He traveled accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Chief Executive Officer of Sonatrach Group, senior ministry and corporate executives, plus representatives from domestic and foreign contracting firms handling project delivery. Given the vital nature of this processing plant, which is set to fulfill expanding domestic market demand—particularly regarding diesel and gasoline—curtail reliance on refined product imports, and unlock exportable surpluses, public leadership intends to accelerate construction pace.
Arkab reviewed overall construction progress and received technical briefings outlining project phases, engineering details, operational logistics, and execution timelines. A comprehensive status evaluation took place during an expanded coordination session chaired by the minister, dedicated to examining progress disclosures submitted by Sonatrach Group alongside the two main engineering contractors: Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas and China’s Sinopec. The meeting also gathered representatives from participating domestic enterprises, notably the National Civil Engineering and Building Company (GCB), the Algerian Industrial Project Realization Company (SARPI), the National Enterprise for Major Oil Works (ENGTP), and Cosider Canalisation.
“This assembly enabled an evaluation of project status while addressing technical, organizational, and logistical factors, thereby strengthening coordination and joint action among all involved entities,” the ministry stated. Arkab subsequently stressed the imperative to step up work momentum, tighten oversight and tracking systems, and deploy every requisite resource to complete construction.
Regular Inspections and Heightened Coordination
Reiterating the critical priority of this development, the minister instructed officials to maintain frequent field checks, enhance operational alignment between Sonatrach Group and its corporate partners, and allocate necessary human, technical, and logistical resources toward project completion. He further insisted on strict adherence to top-tier quality benchmarks, industrial safety standards, and environmental protection guidelines.
According to the ministry, this site visit aligns with directives issued by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen domestic hydrocarbon refining capacity, add value to local oil resources, and manufacture high-value petroleum derivatives.
Designed with a nominal processing capacity of 5 million tons of crude oil per year and situated near key oil fields in Hassi Messaoud, the facility will optimize fuel supply and distribution logistics, reduce transport expenses to southern provinces, enhance energy security, and foster balanced regional delivery. Additionally, the project integrates advanced refining technologies and deep conversion processes, guaranteeing derivative production compliant with international quality norms while elevating environmental performance and curbing emissions.