Singapore, 9 December 2025 – Aster, a leading player in the petrochemical and energy sector, is investing significantly to enhance energy supply resilience with key projects at its Bukom refinery. These strategic investments are set to increase crude oil processing capacity and improve operational reliability, positioning Aster to meet the growing demand for refining services and reinforcing Singapore’s role as a global refining hub.
One of the flagship projects is a USD $75 million investment to revitalize the Condensate Splitter Unit (CSU) at Bukom refinery. This upgrade will boost Bukom’s crude processing capacity to over 300,000 barrels per day, further strengthening Aster’s capacity to meet global fuel and petrochemical needs. Additionally, a USD $71 million upgrade to the Lube Oil Complex (LOC) will enhance the refinery’s ability to produce high-quality base oils, which are essential for lubricants used in various sectors, including automotive, marine, and industrial applications.
As part of its broader strategy to increase feedstock integration and processing capabilities, Aster is also focusing on improving Bukom’s logistics. This will enable the export of mixed C4 products and the import of pyrolysis gasoline from Chandra Asri’s Cilegon facility in Indonesia. These infrastructure improvements will allow for deeper integration between the Bukom and Cilegon sites, maximizing the value from refined products and further enhancing Aster’s petrochemical operations in Asia.
Mashhad Dohadwala, Aster’s Director for Projects & Technology, commented, “These projects, which we expect to complete by 2026, will not only allow us to produce higher-value products but also create greater synergy across our oil-chemical value chain. As we explore new technologies that align with energy transition goals, we are committed to optimizing existing assets to ensure capacity resilience and contribute to the growth of Singapore’s energy and chemicals sector.”
Key Highlights:
- USD $75 million investment to upgrade the Condensate Splitter Unit (CSU), boosting crude processing capacity to over 300,000 barrels per day.
- USD $71 million investment to rejuvenate the Lube Oil Complex (LOC) for enhanced production of base oils used in lubricants for automotive, marine, and industrial sectors.
- Improvements in logistics and feedstock integration to enable the export of mixed C4 products and the import of pyrolysis gasoline from Cilegon.
- Strategic efforts to strengthen Singapore’s refining and petrochemical industries, contributing to its leadership as a global energy hub
These developments underscore Aster’s commitment to both enhancing the reliability of its operations and supporting Singapore’s broader goals in the energy sector. By optimizing its facilities and increasing product value, Aster is ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for its operations in the fast-evolving petrochemical market.
