Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin inspected the phase-one test run of the Thanlyin Oil Refinery on September 14, emphasizing the urgent need to expand domestic fuel production as global refined fuel prices surge to two-and-a-half times the cost of crude. As the nation’s first refinery fully operated, monitored, and calibrated through a centralized control room, he stressed the necessity of proper staff training to ensure smooth operations.

During subsequent visits to gas-fired power plants in Thakayta and Ahlon, the union minister outlined plans to upgrade and replace aging machinery, aiming to cut costly natural gas consumption by at least 30% through improved turbine efficiency.

Meeting with Yangon regional staff alongside the Chief Minister, U Ko Ko Lwin reported that electricity distribution reached a historic high in 2026, averaging 1,978 million units per month—a 21% increase from 2025 driven by higher output and crackdowns on power theft. He noted capacity would have reached 2,240 million units monthly without attacks on energy infrastructure, while regional authorities confirmed ongoing efforts to expand power meter installations across Yangon.