PRESS RELEASE: NSRP successfully processes diversified crude, advancing feedstock flexibility and operational resilience 

Thanh Hoa, Vietnam – January 14, 2026 – While Kuwaiti crudes remain NSRP’s key design feedstock, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) announces the successful receipt and processing of its first non-Kuwaiti crude oil cargo, marking a significant operational milestone for the company. This achievement demonstrates NSRP’s technical capability and readiness to handle alternative feedstocks safely and efficiently.  

The cargo, approximately one million barrels of Das Blend crude oil, safely arrived at NSRP on December 23, 2025. Following rigorous safety, marine, and technical checks, the crude was fully processed through NSRP’s refinery system and completed on January 12, 2026, in strict compliance with operational standards. 

Under its 2026 operating plan, NSRP expects to import nearly 12.5 million tonnes of crude oil and produce close to 9 million tonnes of petroleum products for the domestic market. To support stable operations at around 120% of the refinery’s original design capacity, NSRP is gradually introducing alternative crude oil feedstocks in appropriate volumes, alongside its long-term supply of Kuwaiti crudes (including Kuwait Export Crude (KEC) under Crude Oil Supply Agreement (COSA).  

Das Blend, a crude oil with favorable refining characteristics such as higher yields of light and middle distillates and lower residue production, was selected as part of NSRP’s strategy to process 10–12 million barrels of additional new crude oil annually in combination with Kuwaiti crudes or equivalent medium crudes, particularly during specific operating periods such as catalyst change-outs (CCO) in the Residue Hydro-De-Sulfurization (RHDS) unit. 

This controlled technical evaluation was conducted on top of NSRP’s committed COSA volumes and is intended to complement the anchor role of Kuwaiti crudes. This effort was implemented with the support of all NSRP Sponsors – Kuwait Petroleum Europe B.V, Idemitsu Kosan, PetroVietnam, and Mitsui Chemicals – reaffirming their commitment to NSRP’s safe and sustainable operations. 

Mr. Kazutaka Yamato, General Director of NSRP, stated: “Successfully processing our first non-Kuwaiti crude cargo is a testament to NSRP’s operational excellence and adaptability. We value the continued support and flexibility of our Sponsors and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) our long-term crude supplier, which enable us to pursue initiatives that strengthen long-term stability and energy security for Vietnam.” 

Looking ahead, NSRP will continue to explore technical opportunities to optimize performance while maintaining its strong partnership framework and commitment to safe, reliable operations. 

About NSRP 

Established in 2008, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) is a joint venture sponsored by Kuwait Petroleum Europe B.V. (KPE), Idemitsu Kosan (IKC), Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (PetroVietnam) and Mitsui Chemicals (MCI), with a total investment exceeding USD 9 billion. 

Located in the Nghi Son Economic Zone, Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, NSRP operates one of the country’s most advanced refineries with a processing designed capacity of 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, equivalent to 10 million tons annually. 

As a leading supplier of refined petroleum products to the Vietnamese market and a trusted exporter of petrochemical products across the region, NSRP is committed to delivering a reliable supply of high-quality products at competitive prices, while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. 

Contacts 

Hong Anh Vu (Ms.) – Senior Communications Leader 

Administration and Corporate Affairs Department 

Email: anh.vh@nsrp.com.vn