The Ministry of Climate Protection led by Leonore Gewessler (Greens) will soon release another 60,000 tons of diesel from the national oil reserve. This is intended to secure supplies in Austria until the OMV refinery in Schwechat is operational again – according to OMV this should be in October.
The proposal for the move was made to the main committee in the National Council after consultations with OMV and the entire domestic oil industry, Minister-spokesman Samson Sandrieser-Leon explained Monday afternoon. According to the ministry, Austria still has state fuel reserves for 65 days after release.
Already third release
Reserves have already been released twice this summer – on June 4, immediately after the accident at OMV, which temporarily paralyzed the refinery, 112,000 tons of diesel and 56,000 tons of petrol were involved; on 12 July, 100,000 tons of diesel and 45,000 tons of semi-finished products were added. As the reopening of Schwechat is delayed, the ministry, in consultation with the mineral oil industry, believes that “further approval is recommended”.
“In this way, we want to ensure that, despite the delay in returning to Schwechat’s operation, sufficient fuel is available for Austria,” Gewessler said. “We do this carefully and thoughtfully, because the oil reserve is there for emergencies. We should not waste them lightly.”
Two-thirds majority required
Before reserves can be released, the Energy Management Advisory Council must be heard and the relevant regulation must be approved by the Main Committee of the National Council. Further fuel reserves are not released until the latter agrees by a two-thirds majority. As soon as the refinery is fully operational again, it will immediately start replenishing the reserves, according to the ministry. OMV has already announced that it will continue to source larger quantities in the European market.
Source: Krone
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