Luanda: The Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, announced on Thursday that the Cabinda Refinery had started producing fuels in a limited phase. He rejected the idea of the project's failure.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister disclosed the information to the press at the end of the President of Gabon's visit to the Luanda Refinery, during which he maintained that the refinery 'is not a stillborn project'. Diamantino de Azevedo admitted that the unit faces constraints related to the import and export system, which has yet to be finalized following the revision of the initial project for transporting crude oil and by-products.

The minister explained that the initial plan had envisaged infrastructure of about 12 kilometers, but technical changes and on-the-ground requirements demanded an extension to 20 kilometers, causing delays to the project. He highlighted the challenges posed by maritime operations in Cabinda due to sea conditions, which permit only a three-month window each year for work in the open ocean.

The minister cited limitations in the supply of steel in the international market, associated with rising prices and transport logistics from Pointe-Noire as factors that have delayed the completion of the import and export system. While definitive works are underway, the refinery is operating with alternative solutions, which limit the storage capacity of refined products.

According to the official, the first commercial production of diesel, carried out in February, was mainly intended for consumption in the province of Cabinda.

In addition to the refinery update, the minister reported that Angola has discovered 72 new oil exploration blocks in the last five years, 42 of which already have secured contracts. He said the blocks will enter the research phase to determine the existence of economically exploitable reserves, meaning that some projects may not prove commercially viable.

Diamantino Azevedo stated that continuing prospecting, coupled with improvements in the tax regime and contractual stability, could help maintain the stability of Angolan oil production.

The minister also invited Gabon to participate in the Lobito Refinery project, demonstrating that Angola is open to African countries joining strategic initiatives in the energy sector. The official stated that the Gabonese president was interested in ongoing refining projects in Angola, including existing and future infrastructure.

Diamantino Azevedo defended strengthened African economic integration by encouraging countries on the continent to participate in strategic projects, stressing the need to transform political discourse into effective economic cooperation. He added that Angola remains open to partnerships in various sectors of the economy, in line with the objectives defined in the National Development Plan.

The minister also stated that the current international context, characterized by instability in the Middle East, would not alter Angola's strategy to curb the decline in oil production.