UKPIA, the trade association representing the main oil refining and marketing companies in the UK, will launch its new publication on the contribution of the refining industry in Wales and the UK, at a reception on November 2 at the Wales Millennium Centre, hosted by Paul Davies AM. The RT Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales, will make a keynote address.

The First Minister said: “The petroleum industry plays a key role in the Welsh economy and I am delighted to see UKPIA continues to be committed to Wales.

In Wales we have two UKPIA members which, between them, provide high-value employment at a time when we are all weathering the choppy waters of the world-wide economic downturn. I am pleased that Valero Energy and Murco Petroleum have been meeting as a group in Wales to consider industry issues with particular emphasis on the industry in Pembrokeshire. I wish the sector every success.”

Paul Davies, Welsh Assembly member for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “I am delighted to be hosting this event to highlight the importance of the oil refining industry to not only Pembrokeshire, but Wales and indeed the United Kingdom. The two refineries in Pembrokeshire employ a total of 930 full time employees with a similar number of contract employees. The value of the oil industry to the economy of Wales is estimated at £90 million per year in terms of salaries and business rates. This highlights the huge significance of the oil refining industry in Pembrokeshire, and its importance to the Welsh economy.”

Chris Hunt, director general of UKPIA, said: “The opening of our new representative office in Cardiff is a welcome opportunity to highlight the contribution of oil refining in Wales. For around 40 years, the south-west corner of Wales has played a pivotal role in the oil industry in Europe and this important occasion is a testament to this valuable contribution not only in terms of energy security and resilience, but also employment, skills and wider contribution to the economy. We thank Paul Davies AM and the First Minister for helping us mark this momentous event”.