The Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemicals Company (ANRPC) has launched trial operations at its new USD 219 mn octane production unit, according to an Oil Ministry statement (pdf). The project will produce an annual 700k tonnes of 92-95 octane fuel, bringing the country’s total output to 1.5 mn tonnes a year. The facility — which will direct its output toward the local market — will also produce an annual 38k tonnes of butane, as well as hydrogen. Oil Minister Tarek El Molla had previously said that ANRPC’s new project is set to go live next month. The minister said to expect more refining capacities to come online over the coming two years as the government steps up efforts to boost local production in order to reduce its fuel import bill.