Dung Quat Refinery was originally designed to operate with 100% Bach Ho crude or a blend of 85% Bach Ho and 15% Dubai crude. However, as the output of Bach Ho crude continues to decline significantly, the demand for alternative crude sources to maintain stable, high-load operations has become increasingly urgent. In response, BSR’s R&D Division, in coordination with relevant departments, has actively sought out and evaluated alternative crude/feedstock sources for pilot processing.

The successful test-processing of Murban and Cooper Basin crudes is part of BSR’s comprehensive program on scientific research, innovation, and digital transformation - aligned with the spirit of Resolution 57 of the Politburo and directives from the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam).

Murban is a key export crude of the UAE. BSR conducted assessments and successfully processed a batch of Murban crude from December 10 to December 20, 2024, with a processing ratio of up to 8%, depending on the sulfur content of each batch and the accompanying crude blend. Notably, Murban has the highest sulfur content ever processed by BSR - approximately 0.8% by weight - compared to just 0.05% for Bach Ho crude. This marks a significant milestone, demonstrating Dung Quat’s ability to handle crudes with diverse qualities and opening new opportunities to diversify feedstock sources.

Meanwhile, Cooper Basin crude, originating from Australia, was test-processed from June 10 to June 18, 2025, with a blending ratio of up to 30% of the total feed at the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), operating at 114 - 116% of design capacity depending on blend quality. The test results confirmed that both crudes have long-term processing potential at BSR, increasing the total number of processable crude types to 35.

These accomplishments not only expand BSR’s crude basket but also enhance the Company’s autonomy in feedstock sourcing and its flexibility in optimizing the product slate to meet dynamic market demands.

Currently, BSR is operating its CDU at an optimized rate of 118% of design capacity, while maximizing the throughput of key processing units - significantly boosting plant efficiency and overall system performance.

Looking ahead, BSR plans to test-process Escravos crude (Nigeria) in July 2025, and evaluate an additional 1 - 2 new crude types by year-end. Each successful crude trial enriches BSR’s input feedstock portfolio, supports operational optimization, and enables the Company to remain agile in adjusting its production strategy based on market supply-demand dynamics - thereby delivering optimal value.

BSR