Wedoany.com Report-Dec.11,Aster Chemicals and Energy Pte. Ltd., the Singapore, announced on Tuesday a US$155 million investment programme to modernise and expand its Bukom Island refining and petrochemical complex.

The upgrade will increase the site's crude processing capacity from the current 237,000 barrels per day to 300,000 bpd, with the enhanced facilities scheduled to commence operations in 2026.

Key components of the investment include:

- US$75 million to revamp and restart the condensate splitter unit acquired in June 2025, enabling higher throughput of light naphtha and condensate feedstocks.

- US$71 million to upgrade the lube oil complex for production of premium Group II and Group III base oils, meeting growing regional demand for high-performance lubricants.

The remaining funds will be directed toward logistics improvements that allow seamless feedstock and product exchange between the Bukom refinery and the Chandra Asri petrochemical complex in Cilegon, Indonesia. The integrated supply chain will involve exporting mixed C4 streams from Singapore to Cilegon for further processing, while returning pyrolysis gasoline to Bukom for additional refining and aromatics recovery.

Aster Chemicals and Energy is a joint venture led by Indonesia's Chandra Asri and Glencore. The company operates the fully integrated 237,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical facility on Bukom Island, strategically positioned to serve Southeast Asian and international markets.

The modernisation project supports Aster's long-term objective of enhancing operational flexibility, raising product value, and strengthening regional supply chain efficiency between its Singapore and Indonesian assets. Engineering and procurement activities are already underway, with major construction phases planned for 2025–2026.