05.
09.
2026
For one day, Petromidia Refinery became the venue for an outdoor chess tournament, bringing together more than 200 children aged between 5 and 19. Organised as part of the national "Chess in School" programme, in partnership with the Constanţa County School Inspectorate, the event welcomed children of Rompetrol employees, students from Constanţa County and participants from other regions of Romania. Beyond the competition itself, the initiative reflects Rompetrol's commitment to investing in education and supporting the development of local communities, while offering young participants the opportunity to discover one of Romania's most important industrial landmarks from a unique perspective.
"At first glance, chess and a refinery may seem to belong to two completely different worlds. In reality, both rely on strategy, discipline, analytical thinking and the ability to make responsible decisions. At Petromidia, these competencies are the foundation of industrial excellence; on the chessboard, they help children develop critical thinking and confidence in their own decisions. This is why we chose to host this competition and open the refinery's gates to the community. We believe that investing in education and the development of young generations is one of the most valuable investments a company can make for the future." -Sorin Graure, Chief Executive Officer, Rompetrol Rafinare
The tournament was played using the Swiss system over five rounds, with free participation for all competitors. At the end of the event, every child received diplomas, trophies, medals and prizes in recognition of their enthusiasm, perseverance and competitive spirit.
Rompetrol has been supporting the national "Chess in School" programme since 2021, contributing to its development and expansion by supporting educational activities, children's competitions, teacher training and the promotion of chess as a valuable educational tool in Romanian schools.
Constanţa County has become one of the programme's most active regions, with activities implemented in schools across Năvodari, Corbu, Agigea, Topraisar, Săcele and other communities located near Petromidia Refinery.
"Every year, we organise more than 365 chess competitions and events across Romania, giving children the opportunity to learn, compete and build confidence in their own abilities. The tournament hosted at Petromidia is truly unique, as it marks the first time that one of Romania's most important industrial sites has opened its doors to such an educational initiative. We are particularly pleased that most participants come from communities across the Dobrogea region, where the 'Chess in School' programme continues to expand into an increasing number of schools. Partnerships like this demonstrate that when education, local communities and the business sector work together, children gain access to inspiring experiences that motivate them and help them develop skills they will use throughout their lives." - Vlad Ungureanu, Founder and National Coordinator of the "Chess in School" Programme
Over the past five years, the programme has reached more than 150,000 children across Romania through the involvement of over 2,000 teachers and the free distribution of more than 80,000 educational manuals and learning materials to schools in both urban and rural communities. Through chess, the programme helps children develop essential life skills, including critical thinking, concentration, discipline, perseverance, creativity and sound decision-making.
The Petromidia tournament forms part of a broader programme through which Rompetrol contributes to the development of communities across Constanţa County. Over the years, the Company has supported numerous initiatives in the fields of education, healthcare, culture and environmental protection, building long-term partnerships with local institutions and organisations. In education, Rompetrol collaborates with vocational high schools and Ovidius University of Constanţa to support the training of future specialists. In healthcare, the Company supports projects dedicated to the Constanţa County Emergency Clinical Hospital and the Năvodari Multifunctional Medical Centre. Rompetrol is also an active supporter of the region's cultural life through initiatives such as the Weekend Sessions series hosted by the National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanţa, concerts and cultural heritage projects, including performances by the Marin Constantin "Madrigal" National Chamber Choir. Through these initiatives, Rompetrol reaffirms its long-term commitment to the sustainable development of the communities in which it operates.
About Petromidia Refinery
Located in Năvodari on Romania's Black Sea coast, Petromidia Refinery is the largest and most complex refinery in Romania and one of the most advanced integrated refining and petrochemical complexes in South-East Europe. With an annual processing capacity of approximately 6 million tonnes and home to Romania's only petrochemical division, Petromidia is a strategic asset for the country's energy security and for supplying the domestic market with fuels and other petroleum products.
For nearly five decades, the refinery has contributed to the economic development of Romania and Constanţa County through continuous investments in modernisation, operational excellence, digitalisation and energy efficiency projects. During the first half of 2026, Petromidia processed approximately 2.6 million tonnes of feedstock, maintaining a refinery utilisation rate of over 98%, despite the scheduled technological turnaround carried out in March. The refinery also achieved a white products yield of 86.54% and recorded a new historic low in its Energy Intensity Index (EII), reflecting its ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and energy optimisation. During the same period, more than 69% of the fuels produced were supplied to the Romanian market, further strengthening Petromidia's strategic role in ensuring the continuity of fuel supply and supporting Romania's energy security.
Corporate Communication and Public Relations
KMG International
"At first glance, chess and a refinery may seem to belong to two completely different worlds. In reality, both rely on strategy, discipline, analytical thinking and the ability to make responsible decisions. At Petromidia, these competencies are the foundation of industrial excellence; on the chessboard, they help children develop critical thinking and confidence in their own decisions. This is why we chose to host this competition and open the refinery's gates to the community. We believe that investing in education and the development of young generations is one of the most valuable investments a company can make for the future." -Sorin Graure, Chief Executive Officer, Rompetrol Rafinare
The tournament was played using the Swiss system over five rounds, with free participation for all competitors. At the end of the event, every child received diplomas, trophies, medals and prizes in recognition of their enthusiasm, perseverance and competitive spirit.
Rompetrol has been supporting the national "Chess in School" programme since 2021, contributing to its development and expansion by supporting educational activities, children's competitions, teacher training and the promotion of chess as a valuable educational tool in Romanian schools.
Constanţa County has become one of the programme's most active regions, with activities implemented in schools across Năvodari, Corbu, Agigea, Topraisar, Săcele and other communities located near Petromidia Refinery.
"Every year, we organise more than 365 chess competitions and events across Romania, giving children the opportunity to learn, compete and build confidence in their own abilities. The tournament hosted at Petromidia is truly unique, as it marks the first time that one of Romania's most important industrial sites has opened its doors to such an educational initiative. We are particularly pleased that most participants come from communities across the Dobrogea region, where the 'Chess in School' programme continues to expand into an increasing number of schools. Partnerships like this demonstrate that when education, local communities and the business sector work together, children gain access to inspiring experiences that motivate them and help them develop skills they will use throughout their lives." - Vlad Ungureanu, Founder and National Coordinator of the "Chess in School" Programme
Over the past five years, the programme has reached more than 150,000 children across Romania through the involvement of over 2,000 teachers and the free distribution of more than 80,000 educational manuals and learning materials to schools in both urban and rural communities. Through chess, the programme helps children develop essential life skills, including critical thinking, concentration, discipline, perseverance, creativity and sound decision-making.
The Petromidia tournament forms part of a broader programme through which Rompetrol contributes to the development of communities across Constanţa County. Over the years, the Company has supported numerous initiatives in the fields of education, healthcare, culture and environmental protection, building long-term partnerships with local institutions and organisations. In education, Rompetrol collaborates with vocational high schools and Ovidius University of Constanţa to support the training of future specialists. In healthcare, the Company supports projects dedicated to the Constanţa County Emergency Clinical Hospital and the Năvodari Multifunctional Medical Centre. Rompetrol is also an active supporter of the region's cultural life through initiatives such as the Weekend Sessions series hosted by the National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanţa, concerts and cultural heritage projects, including performances by the Marin Constantin "Madrigal" National Chamber Choir. Through these initiatives, Rompetrol reaffirms its long-term commitment to the sustainable development of the communities in which it operates.
About Petromidia Refinery
Located in Năvodari on Romania's Black Sea coast, Petromidia Refinery is the largest and most complex refinery in Romania and one of the most advanced integrated refining and petrochemical complexes in South-East Europe. With an annual processing capacity of approximately 6 million tonnes and home to Romania's only petrochemical division, Petromidia is a strategic asset for the country's energy security and for supplying the domestic market with fuels and other petroleum products.
For nearly five decades, the refinery has contributed to the economic development of Romania and Constanţa County through continuous investments in modernisation, operational excellence, digitalisation and energy efficiency projects. During the first half of 2026, Petromidia processed approximately 2.6 million tonnes of feedstock, maintaining a refinery utilisation rate of over 98%, despite the scheduled technological turnaround carried out in March. The refinery also achieved a white products yield of 86.54% and recorded a new historic low in its Energy Intensity Index (EII), reflecting its ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and energy optimisation. During the same period, more than 69% of the fuels produced were supplied to the Romanian market, further strengthening Petromidia's strategic role in ensuring the continuity of fuel supply and supporting Romania's energy security.
Corporate Communication and Public Relations
KMG International
