Israel Weighs Relocating Major Oil Refinery From Haifa to Southern Region for Energy Security
Israel's Energy Ministry recommends relocating the BAZAN Group oil refinery from Haifa to southern Israel to enhance national energy security.
Jerusalem, 7 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has recommended relocating BAZAN Group’s oil refineries from Haifa Bay to southern Israel as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s energy security.
The recommendation follows a new study by the ministry’s Fuel and Gas Administration, conducted with consulting firm BDO, mapping Israel’s fuel needs through 2040. The study concluded that relying solely on imported refined petroleum products is insufficient during emergencies, given recent regional wars and global geopolitical instability, and that maintaining domestic refining capacity is essential.
The proposal aligns with an earlier recommendation from Israel’s State Comptroller to preserve local refining capabilities rather than depend entirely on imports.