The implementation of refinery upgradation cum expansion project which began in June 2006 will be completed within 48 months, said MRPL Managing Director R Rajamani.
Speaking to media persons after declaring the results for financial year 2006-07 at MRPL premises near here on Saturday, he said that the project involving a capital expenditure of Rs 7,943 crore has started with appointment of Engineers India Limited as the project management consultants. “In fact, the lincesor selection for various units is in advanced stages of finalisation,” he said.

Excellent growth
Stating that the MRPL continues to show excellent growth in direct marketing sales during the year which were at Rs 1,908 crore (up 35% from Rs 1,411 crore), Mr Rajamani said that during the year, the company started production of Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) which improves the life and quality of the roads.
“The company has also signed contracts with State Trading Corporation, Mauritius and Emirate National Oil Company, Dubai for export of petroleum products for year aggregating approximately 1.5 MMT,” he said and added that the company has reached an understanding with HPCL for sharing their infrastructure facilities.
“As a first step, the MRPL has already started utilising HPCL’s facilities in Mangalore for direct sale of products to its customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the isomerisation unit to produce Euro III/IV motor spirit and the mixed xylene unit to produce value added mixed xylene which were commissioned during the year, has already commenced regular production, Mr Rajamani said and added that the MRPL has also started exporting the same.

1 pc entry tax
To a query on the cut in 1 per cent entry tax by the State government, Mr Rajamani said: “The entry tax on crude is illogical. We wanted complete aversion of 2 per cent tax. We hope it will be done at least by next year.”
To another query on the setting up of the second refinery, he said that the feasibility study is on.
SEZ
To another query on the progress of the SEZ, he said that the resettlement package has to be completed first. “We have already submitted the resettlement package to the State government. In fact, we are after it for quite some time now,” he said.

Accident-free days
The MRPL has crossed 1,247 accident-free days of operations as on May 10, 2007, Mr Rajamani informed.
Rangamandira
The MRPL has agreed in-principle to pay Rs 5 crore for the Rangamandira (centre for performing arts) in Mangalore, he informed.
The company has also identified 11 schools for mid-day meals and and an agreement with the Iskcon will be finalised at the earliest. MRPL Director (Finance) L K Gupta was present.