KMG International (Rompetrol) 2026: supply stability, refinery performance and investment plans

Strategic resilience and supply security

Sagiyev frames 2026 as a test of the integrated Kazakhstan–Romania model. Rompetrol relies on Kazakhstan for 63–65% of Romania’s crude and uses strategic reserves, alternative routes (Middle Corridor, Baltic) and the Midia offshore terminal (up to 160,000 DWT) to mitigate disruptions and ensure domestic supplies.

Operational and financial recovery

The group reported $3.5 billion turnover (+25%) and a positive net result of $40.4 million in H1 2026. Petromidia achieved 98.11% utilization, a record 15,800 t/day refining rate and processed over 4 million tonnes in the first nine months, while commissioning a new cogeneration plant and lowering energy intensity.

Downstream focus: petrochemicals and retail

Petrochemical production rose 12% to 44,000 tonnes and revenue for the segment increased 37% to $62.9 million after restarting LDPE production and launching an advanced copolymer. Rompetrol is expanding retail with 13 planned stations in 2026 (four opened) and intends to add EV fast-charging and broader mobility services.

Costs, taxation and workforce pressures

The company highlights heavy fiscal burdens (IMCA, ICAS and other levies), cumulative losses of over $550 million for 2020–2025, and rising logistics costs (insurance and Bosphorus transit fees). Responses include suspending expensive spot purchases, redirecting products to the domestic market, ongoing dialogue with unions and using current surpluses to address legacy costs and finance transformation.