As demand for gasoline declines due to decarbonization, ENEOS Holdings, the largest oil retailer, announced that it will close the Wakayama Refinery in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, by October next year.
This was revealed at an online press conference held by President Katsuyuki Ota of ENEOS Holdings on the 25th.
According to this, in order to improve production efficiency for the entire company, we have decided to close the Wakayama Refinery in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture by October next year.
The Wakayama Refinery facing the Kii Suido is a historic refinery that started operations in 1941 during the Toa Fuel Industry era, and has produced a wide range of products such as gasoline and other fuels, lubricating oils, and petrochemicals.
ENEOS is accelerating the reorganization of refineries amid declining demand for gasoline due to the declining population in Japan due to the improvement of fuel efficiency and electrification of automobiles.
The number of refineries and factories, which was 15 in total three years ago, will be reduced to 10 by this closure.
Approximately 450 employees at the Wakayama Refinery will continue to be employed, including transfers to other offices.
At the press conference, President Daejeon said, "It is a tough decision to strengthen our competitiveness in a difficult business environment."
Voices of concern from the locals
Locals have expressed concern about the decline of the local economy regarding the decision to close the Wakayama Refinery.
Of these, a self-employed man in his 40s said, "I think it was an indispensable company for Arida City. Related companies will also withdraw considerably, and it feels sad to see the city decline. I will. "
In addition, a male office worker in his 70s said, "I'm surprised at the closure because Arida City has been moistened by taxes from the refinery. I have no place to work, but children will not go out of the city. I'm worried. "
In addition, a female housewife in her 70s said, "I'm worried about what will happen in the future because the local area has developed thanks to the refinery. I'm lonely, but I can't help because the company has to live." I did.
Governor "Very regrettable without consulting with the locals"
Governor Yoshinobu Nisaka of Wakayama Prefecture said, "The Wakayama refinery has a history of supporting the region as a whole. It is very regrettable to unilaterally decide to stop the refinery function without consulting with the local community. We urge you to continue, and strongly urge you to implement a new business at the Wakayama Refinery that is suitable for the decarbonization era. "
In addition, Mayor Yoshio Mochizuki of Arida City said, "Wakayama Refinery has contributed to the development of Arida City such as employment, city finance, and industrial promotion for 81 years as the largest company in the city, and coexisted with the region. I am very sorry for this announcement. "