Saudi base oil rerefiner Yunitco plans to carry out maintenance at its unit in Yanbu between August and November, aligning with efforts to increase production capacity to 200,000 metric tonnes annually by December, up from the current 120,000 tonnes.
Each of the plant’s three production lines is scheduled for a shutdown lasting around 45 days, reported Argus Media. The facility currently produces rerefined API Group I SN 150 and SN 300. Following the expansion, SN 500 will be added to the slate.
The company is evaluating additional capacity to produce higher-viscosity grades such as Group I SN 900 refined crude and bright stock. Global supply of these heavier base oils, particularly bright stock, has been constrained in recent years, largely due to a series of Group I plant closures. These grades remain essential in certain lubricant applications where lighter formulations are insufficient.
Yunitco’s is installing two hydrotreating units and aims to transition the Yanbu plant to rerefined Group II by December 2027.
In parallel, Yunitco is expanding its operations into Egypt, targeting rising demand in the African market. A new facility in Cairo is expected to come online by the end of 2027, with a planned capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year of rerefined Group I SN 150 and SN 500, Argus reported.