Ludoil Energy acquisition of ISAB refinery prompts union demands

Following approval from the Italian Competition Authority for Ludoil Energy to acquire a 51% stake in the ISAB refinery—with the potential to reach 100%—the CGIL trade union is demanding guarantees regarding industrial strategy, employment, and safety.

Ludoil has announced a transformation strategy focused on new energy productions, including HVO, BIO-ETBE, bio-gasoline, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). While the CGIL expressed support for an industrial transition toward renewable energy, the union emphasized that this shift must be backed by concrete investments, stable employment, training, and workplace safety.

The union has called for immediate discussions with the new ownership to clarify the detailed industrial plan, investment timelines, and the impact on the broader Syracuse industrial hub, which supports thousands of workers in the chemical and metalworking sectors.