Petrochemicals: Algeria prepares to commission its new MTBE plant in Arzew

Algeria is set to advance its petrochemical sector as Sonatrach prepares to operationalize its new MTBE (Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether) production plant in Arzew. Company officials confirmed that construction and mechanical completion are finished, with the facility currently in the pre-commissioning stage. The charging process is slated to begin next month, with local production expected to commence within three to four months. This 500-million-dollar facility, covering 11.4 hectares, aims to eliminate the need for importing 100,000 tons of the additive used in unleaded gasoline production each year. With an annual capacity of 200,000 tons, the plant will enable Algeria to achieve self-sufficiency and transition into an exporter of this essential chemical component.