The Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Plant in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, has imported over 950,000 barrels of Djeno crude oil from the Republic of the Congo to support fuel production for the domestic market.
The shipment was arranged by the Nghi Son Petroleum Products Distribution Branch (PVNDB), a subsidiary of the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam).
Protecting fuel availability
According to Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP), diversifying crude oil sources is essential for maintaining a reliable feedstock supply and protecting domestic fuel availability, particularly as imports from Kuwait have faced disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.
Although Kuwaiti crude remains the refinery’s main feedstock under its original design, NSRP has also successfully processed Das Blend crude as part of efforts to safely and efficiently utilize alternative crude sources.
The refinery was cited by VietNamNet as saying that the initiative is part of a strategy to process an additional 10-12 million barrels of new crude oil each year, alongside Kuwaiti crude or equivalent medium-grade oils, especially during maintenance periods, such as catalyst replacement at the residue hydrodesulfurization unit.
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Supply diversification
As part of Petrovietnam’s international trading strategy, PVNDB secured its first crude oil shipment for NSRP while supporting the refinery’s supply diversification efforts.
The development also strengthens national energy security and marks PVNDB’s broader role in the crude oil supply chain beyond petroleum distribution.
Using Petrovietnam’s international trading network and reputation, PVNDB worked closely with NSRP to evaluate demand, identify suitable suppliers, assess commercial terms, and negotiate with overseas partners while meeting compliance and risk management requirements.
PVNDB plans to continue importing crude oil compatible with NSRP and other domestic refineries while enhancing governance, workforce capabilities, international partnerships, and supply diversification to improve resilience against fluctuations in the global energy market.
Under its 2026 production plan, NSRP expects to import nearly 12.5 million tons of crude oil and supply about nine million tons of petroleum products to the domestic market.
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James Mario Ajero 
Ciara Mina 
Jacinth Banite