OREANDA-NEWS. September 28, 2009. On 29 September, the Belarusian Gas-Processing Plant will launch a new terminal to take, store and supply liquefied hydrocarbon gas and hydrocarbon propellants. The capacity of the new terminal will be 8,000 cubic meters of light hydrocarbons.

The new terminal will allow the plant to double the capacities for taking and storing the light hydrocarbons. It is an important part of the investment project on increasing the production of liquefied hydrocarbon gases.

The Belarusian Gas-Processing Plant has agreed the project on increasing the capacities with the general supplier of raw material – Sibur Holding (Gazprom’s property). According to the agreement, within near three years, Sibur will supply more than 600,000 tonnes of light hydrocarbons to be processed. The liquefied hydrocarbon gases are used as an engine fuel for automobile transport (propane-butane) and a fuel for household and industrial consumption.

This project is important due to increasing demand for automobile liquid gas. At present, 5% of Belarusian automobiles use propane-butane. In 2010, their number is expected to be increased up to 9%. The Belarusian Gas-Processing Plant is the biggest producer of propane-butane in this country. The plant exports 40% of the total output.

At present, Belorusneft and Sibur Holding are considering the prospects of the further cooperation. In particular, the sides are discussing the construction of one more terminal with the capacity of 8,000 cubic meters. The sides are also considering the constriction of the gas fractionation plant with the production capacity of 750,000 tonnes of light hydrocarbons a year.

The Belarusian Gas-Processing Plant was launched in 1976. It produces liquefied hydrocarbon gases which are used as a fuel for household and industrial consumption and engine fuel for motor transport. The plant processes all the associated petroleum gas produced in Belarus (200 million cubic meters). The associated gas is also used to generate electric energy and heat for Belorusneft.