New standards for oil products

The Georgian Government has introduced new standards for oil products from January 2009. The new standards state that the benzole volume in oil should come down from 5 to 3% and the sulphur level should be no more than 250 milligrams per kilo.

These standards were due to be implemented in 2008 but were delayed for a year because Azerbaijan, the oil producer, could not meet them. Azerbaijan is the main supplier of oil products to Georgia, but has now introduced new technology in its oil refinery system and can therefore meet these new standards.

From 2010 the standards will become even more strict. The benzole level will reduce to 1% and sulphur to 150 milligrams per kilo.