Large amounts of crude oil are imported for refining in the Netherlands, and much of the refined petroleum is exported.
Coming close to breakeven on refining in the fourth quarter seems a merciful release.
A decade ago, small aircraft ferried semi-processed coca paste for refining in Colombia.
"We have a growing demand for energy in this country and a policy against producing and refining in this country.
Total employees have criticized the company's decision to scale back refining in Europe while expanding it in the Middle East.
There is no predominant industry in the city itself, though oil refining in the area is important.
Processing some 300 tonnes a year, Kaloti claims to account for close to half of all refining in Dubai's gold market.
Unfortunately the high incidence of oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger delta exacerbates the problem and has a devastating impact on the environment.
Extraction is often followed by refining, in which the level of impurities is brought lower or controlled by pyrometallurgical, electrolytic, or chemical means.
Mr. Foulard said that the company appeared to be open to holding roundtable discussions on the future of refining in France.
Selling off bits of the firms that no longer make sense, such as refineries, can help; ConocoPhillips hived off its upstream exploration and production from refining in 2011.
