TÜPRAŞ: Türkiye’s Energy Champion and Its Strategic Role in Global Oil Markets
Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş. (TÜPRAŞ) is Türkiye’s largest refinery operator and one of the top refinery groups in the broader Mediterranean and European region. With its scale, operational discipline, and long-term planning capability, TÜPRAŞ plays a central role in Türkiye’s energy security and refined product supply.
Operating four major refineries, TÜPRAŞ has a total crude oil processing capacity of approximately 30 million metric tons per year, placing it among the world’s top 100 refinery operators by capacity and complexity.
Planned Maintenance and Production Impact
It has long been known across the sector that TÜPRAŞ would carry out its scheduled five-year periodic maintenance during this year. As part of this plan, TÜPRAŞ announced via the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that maintenance at the İzmit Refinery Fuel Oil Conversion Facility would begin on March 1, with a planned shutdown of 92 days.
According to the official disclosure:
- A temporary production decrease of approximately 300,000 tons per month is expected.
- This reduction will be fully compensated through increased imports.
- Therefore, no direct negative impact on final sales volumes is anticipated.
- The estimated EBITDA impact is USD 196 million, reflecting the scale and transparency of the operation.
Because this maintenance was planned and anticipated well in advance, the market does not expect a disruption in fuel availability. Instead, import volumes are expected to rise accordingly. In practical terms, this translates into roughly 10 cargoes per month, each averaging 30,000 tons, sourced from multiple international suppliers.
TÜPRAŞ Refinery Network
TÜPRAŞ operates four strategically located refineries across Türkiye:
| Refinery | Location | Capacity (Million Tons/Year) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| İzmit Refinery | Kocaeli | ~11.3 | High Nelson complexity, advanced conversion units |
| İzmir Refinery | İzmir | ~11.0 | Strong export capability, wide product range |
| Kırıkkale Refinery | Kırıkkale | ~5.0 | Supplies Central Anatolia, flexible crude slate |
| Batman Refinery | Batman | ~1.1 | Regional crude processing, asphalt-focused |
Together, these facilities cover a broad geographic area and allow TÜPRAŞ to optimize logistics, crude sourcing, and product distribution.
TÜPRAŞ Product Portfolio and Uses
TÜPRAŞ produces a diversified range of refined petroleum products serving transportation, industry, aviation, and construction sectors.
| Product | Primary Use | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | Passenger vehicles | Main fuel for light-duty transportation |
| Diesel (EN590 10 PPM) | Commercial & private vehicles | Ultra-low sulfur diesel compliant with EU standards |
| Jet Fuel (JET A1) | Aviation | Used in civil and military aircraft |
| LPG | Heating & autogas | Residential, industrial, and automotive use |
| Fuel Oil | Industry & power | Heavy industrial and energy applications |
| Bitumen / Asphalt | Infrastructure | Road construction and civil engineering |
| Base Oils & Waxes | Lubricants | Used in engine oils and industrial lubricants |
This product mix enables TÜPRAŞ to serve both domestic demand and export markets efficiently.
International Trade and Market Position
TÜPRAŞ is not only a domestic supplier but also an active participant in international markets. Through its international trading operations, including Tüpraş Trading Ltd., the company supplies refined products to customers across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Key strengths include:
- Long-term crude supply planning
- Strong balance sheet and procurement capability
- Advanced refining technology
- Compliance with international environmental standards
- Growing focus on sustainable and alternative fuels
TÜPRAŞ also invests heavily in energy transition projects, including biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aligning with long-term global energy trends.
ATABAŞ GROUP and TÜPRAŞ Supplier Network
ATABAŞ GROUP operates within TÜPRAŞ’s professional supplier and trading ecosystem. Being part of this network reflects ATABAŞ GROUP’s:
- Corporate reliability
- Trade execution capability
- Logistics and market knowledge
- Compliance-driven operating model
Such cooperation underscores the importance TÜPRAŞ places on working with structured, experienced, and transparent trade partners.
A Professional and Disciplined Energy Leader
TÜPRAŞ stands out not through exaggeration, but through scale, discipline, and predictability. The company’s ability to conduct large-scale maintenance while maintaining supply continuity demonstrates:
- Strong operational planning
- Market responsibility
- Commitment to transparency
For these reasons, TÜPRAŞ remains one of the most respected refinery operators in the region and a cornerstone of Türkiye’s energy infrastructure.
In Summary
Maintains a balanced, future-oriented, and disciplined corporate structure
TÜPRAŞ is Türkiye’s largest refinery operator with ~30 million tons/year capacity
Operates four refineries across four cities
Produces a full spectrum of refined petroleum products
Manages planned maintenance without market disruption
Works with professional trade partners such as ATABAŞ GROUP