Energy Ministry Director General Against the Concentration Committee: Allow Shapir to Take Over Ashdod Refinery
Energy Ministry Director General Yossi Dayan opposes the Concentration Committee's decision and seeks to allow the Shapir Group to take over the Ashdod Refinery (BZA), arguing it is a critical asset for energy security that will become Israel's only refinery after the expected evacuation of BZN. The committee fears excessive concentration of Shapir in national infrastructure.
Energy Ministry Director General Yossi Dayan opposes the Concentration Committee's decision to prevent the Shapir Group from taking over the Ashdod Refinery (BZA). In a sharp letter to the Government Companies Authority, Dayan argues that BZA is a critical asset for Israel's energy security, especially given the expected evacuation of BZN around 2030, which will make it the country's only refinery. He states that a controlling owner is needed to invest about NIS 2 billion to upgrade the facility. On the other hand, the Concentration Committee fears excessive control by Shapir over eight critical infrastructure sectors, including light rail and toll roads. Background: BZA has suffered a series of malfunctions and disasters in the past year, including $130 million in damage from contaminated oil, a NIS 32 million fine for air pollution, and a fatal accident that killed two female workers.