Qatari state-owned firm Qatar Petroleum (QP) has announced that it has begun the supply of ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD) from its refinery in Mesaieed for the domestic transportation market.

The company started ULSD supply from 27 September.

The ultra-low-sulphur diesel is a ‘higher grade’ and ‘cleaner’ diesel fuel. It meets the specifications of the European Emission Standard ‘Euro 5’.

The latest move reaffirms Qatar Petroleum’s global commitment towards the environment.

According to the company, the ULSD production follows the upgrade of the QP refinery’s diesel hydro-treating units.

The upgrade has resulted in the refinery producing ULSD with a sulphur level as low as ten parts per million (ppm) sulphur diesel.

Qatar Petroleum president and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “We are pleased to announce this new addition to our products, which supports two of our strategic objectives, continuous efficiency improvements and environmental excellence.

“The production of ULSD by Qatar Petroleum is an important milestone for our downstream business, and I would like to thank my colleagues in QP operations who have worked diligently and safely to ensure that we achieve this important environmental milestone, which meets the stringent ‘Euro 5’ specifications.”

In April, Qatar Petroleum announced the successful completion of the integration of SEEF Limited’s (SEEF) operations into QP.

In February last year, Qatar Petroleum signed agreements worth more than QR9bn ($2.47bn) with international oil and gas firms as part of a localisation programme to boost the domestic energy industry and reduce dependence on imports.