Bapco Energies, Bahrain’s state-owned oil and gas company, is in the final stages of commissioning its Sitra refinery expansion, with operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The upgrade will boost the refinery’s processing capacity from 265,000 barrels per day (bpd) to nearly 400,000 bpd, significantly strengthening Bahrain’s refining footprint in the region.

According to Alexander van Veldhoven, Bapco’s Group Chief Strategy Officer, most of the new units are already operational, with the last phase of commissioning underway. The expansion is set to increase ultra-low sulfur diesel output by 72% and jet fuel production by 90%, while also enhancing naphtha supplies.

To optimize operations, Bapco plans to shift its feedstock strategy by importing heavier crude grades, moving beyond its reliance on Saudi-Bahrain pipeline supplies. The company has also highlighted its growing interest in liquefied natural gas (LNG), with purchases expected to rise in 2026 through both spot and medium-term contracts.