July 3, 2025 – Anqing Petrochemical Achieves Milestone with New 300,000 T/Y MTBE Facility
Anqing Petrochemical Company has successfully commissioned its state-of-the-art 300,000-ton-per-year methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) unit on June 29, marking a strategic advancement in gasoline additive production. The facility, which began construction in June 2024, achieved mechanical completion within 11 months and produced on-spec products within a month of final commissioning.
The project utilizes the company’s proprietary liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as feedstock to manufacture MTBE—a critical octane booster for cleaner gasoline formulations. Industry analysts note this development will substantially enhance Anqing’s capability to produce high-grade gasoline while optimizing the utilization of C4 hydrocarbons.
Notably, the project team overcame significant engineering challenges during the accelerated construction timeline. The successful integration of residual oil catalytic cracking (RTC) technology with MTBE production demonstrates Anqing’s commitment to its “oil-to-chemicals” transformation strategy. This approach not only maximizes resource efficiency but also aligns with China’s decarbonization goals in the refining sector.
Market observers highlight that the new facility strengthens Anqing’s position in East China’s growing market for clean fuel components. As environmental regulations tighten globally, demand for advanced gasoline additives like MTBE is projected to rise steadily, positioning early adopters like Anqing for long-term competitive advantage.
The achievement sets a new benchmark for domestic refineries seeking to upgrade product portfolios and improve operational economics through value-added petrochemical integration.