The fire in October 2025 caused significant damage to the AV3 crude oil distillation unit. Over the past year, MOL has carried out a comprehensive restoration: the damaged reinforced concrete structure was demolished and rebuilt, and the affected equipment, as well as the control and electrical systems, were restored. Twenty-seven new, high-capacity pumps were installed, eight kilometers of piping were replaced, and 100 kilometers of electrical cables were laid. The construction work was completed according to the preliminary schedule; the next step will be to prepare for the safe restart of the plant.
In the coming period, the systems will be flushed, pressure tests will be conducted, functional tests of the process control and safety equipment will be performed, the necessary auxiliary power supplies will be connected, and the operation of AV3 will be coordinated with the associated facilities at the Danube Refinery. Every step of the process is accompanied by rigorous operational safety inspections and tests, after which crude oil can be introduced. Restarting such a complex refinery unit is a gradual process: production will resume step by step in October.
" Today marks an important milestone: the reconstruction of our plant, which caught fire in October, is now complete. From here on, we can gradually begin testing and loading the plant. The most important thing for MOL right now is for this plant to resume operations safely and at full capacity. The effects of the war in Iran and the global energy crisis have already spread to our region; everyone is competing for alternative sources, which increases the value of every reliable supply route and European refining capacity. Recent months have also shown that we can put our fuel supply on a solid footing through our own production, diversified procurement, and import options. With the return of AV3, we are regaining an important capacity: the Danube Refinery will become stronger and more flexible, giving MOL greater leeway in meeting domestic and regional demand," said Krisztián Pulay, Senior Vice President of Group Downstream Production and Development at the MOL Group.