LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – CITGO Petroleum Corporation is moving forward with a $310 million investment at its Lake Charles refinery.
CITGO Petroleum Corporation is expanding in Lake Charles(kplc)
The expansion, known as the Depentanizer Project, will add new facilities and equipment to improve naphtha upgrading capabilities.
Naphtha is a volatile, highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture obtained mostly from the refining of crude oil, natural gas condensates, or the distillation of coal tar.
The project is designed to convert lower-value streams into higher-value gasoline blend components, which CITGO says will increase refinery flexibility and help meet U.S. fuel demand.
The project is expected to become operational in 2029.
The investment is also expected to create contract work during the construction phase and support the refinery’s existing workforce.
The facility, located along the Calcasieu Ship Channel, has been operating in Southwest Louisiana since 1944.
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