India’s Total Refining Capacity (2026): Companies, Locations & Global Comparison
India is one of the largest oil refining hubs in the world, with a total petroleum refining capacity of 258.1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). India refining capacity plays a critical role in the global energy supply chain. With advanced refining infrastructure and a strong export oriented model, India not only meets its domestic demand but also exports significant volumes of petroleum products to international markets. India import over 85% of its crude oil demand for domestic consumption as well as for export.
Key Takeaways
- India has a total refining capacity of 258.3 MMTPA (~5.2 MBOPD), making it the 4th largest globally.
- The country operates 23 refineries, with a mix of PSU, private, and joint venture players.
- Indian Oil Corporation is the largest refiner, contributing ~31% of total capacity.
- India is a major exporter of petroleum products, supplying fuel to Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Table of Contents
India’s Total Refining Capacity (2026)
India’s total installed refining capacity is estimated at 258.1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2026. India refining capacity has increased from a modest 62 Million Metric Tones Per Annum (MMTPA) in 1998 to 258.1 MMTPA at present comprising of 23 refineries in which 18 under Public Sector, 3 under Private Sector and 2 in Joint Venture (JV).
Indian refining capacity over the year
| Year | Refining Capacity (MMTPA) |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 0.65 |
| 1960 | 28.45 |
| 1970 | 75.15 |
| 1980 | 85.5 |
| 1990 | 93.5 |
| 2000 | 156.5 |
| 2010 | 214.8 |
| 2020 | 248.8 |
| 2026 | 258.1 |
Company-wise Refining Capacity in India
India refining capacity contributed by both Public sector companies like IOCL, BPCL, HPCL and MRPL etc. and Private sector like reliance and Nayara.
Public Sector Refiners
India’s refining sector is dominated by state owned companies
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)
India’s largest refiner, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), has a total refining capacity of 70.25 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), making it the biggest contributor to India’s petroleum refining sector. The company accounts for approximately 31% of the country’s total refining capacity.
- Capacity: 70.25 MMTPA
- Market share: 31%
- Refineries: 9+1(CPCL)
- Largest Refinery: Paradip
IOCL operates 9 fully owned refineries across India, with the Paradip refinery in Odisha being its largest and the historic Digboi refinery in Assam being the smallest.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company. BPCL’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA
- Capacity: 35.3 MMTPA
- Market share: 14%
- Refineries: 2+1(Bina)
- Largest Refinery: Kochi
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
HPCL owns and operates Refineries in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam with a capacity of 9.5 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) and 15.0 MMTPA, respectively. HPCL holds a 48.99% equity stake in the JV company, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL), which operates an 11.3 MMTPA capacity Refinery at Bhatinda.
- Capacity: 24.5 MMTPA
- Market share: 11%
- Refineries: 2+1(Bathinda)
- Largest Refinery: Visakhapatnam
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited(MRPL)
MRPL operates a technologically advanced refinery with a capacity of 15 MMTPA
- Capacity: 15 MMTPA
- Market share: 4%
- Refineries: 1
- Largest Refinery: Mangalore
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)
- Subsidiary of IOCL
- Capacity: 10.5 MMTPA
Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)
- Capacity expanding to 9 MMTPA
Private Sector Refiners
India has significant capacity of private sector refiners which include giants like Reliance and Nayara energy.
Reliance Industries Limited
Reliance owned Jamnagar refinery is the largest and most complex single-site refinery in the world with 1.4 million barrels per day (MMBPD) or 68 MMTPA crude processing capacity and a complexity index of 21.1 which is highest in the world.
- Capacity: 68.2 MMTPA
- Market share: 27% approx.
- Refineries: 1
- Largest Refinery: Jamnagar
Nayara Energy
Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery started commercial production in 2008 and is India’s second-largest single site refinery after Reliance’s jamanagr, with a capacity of 20 MMTPA.
- Capacity: 20 MMTPA
- Market share: 8% approx.
- Refineries: 1
- Largest Refinery: Vadinar
List of Major Refineries in India
| No. | Refinery | Year started | Company | Capacity (MMTPA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Digboi | 1901 | Indian Oil Corporation | 0.65 |
| 2 | Guwahati | 1962 | Indian Oil Corporation | 1.00 |
| 3 | Barauni | 1964 | Indian Oil Corporation | 6.00 |
| 4 | Koyali | 1965 | Indian Oil Corporation | 13.70 |
| 5 | Bongaigaon | 1974 | Indian Oil Corporation | 2.35 |
| 6 | Haldia | 1975 | Indian Oil Corporation | 8.00 |
| 7 | Mathura | 1982 | Indian Oil Corporation | 8.00 |
| 8 | Panipat | 1998 | Indian Oil Corporation | 15.00 |
| 9 | Paradip | 2016 | Indian Oil Corporation | 15.00 |
| 10 | Manali | 1965 | Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited | 10.50 |
| 11 | Mumbai (HPCL) | 1954 | Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited | 9.50 |
| 12 | Visakhapatnam | 1957 | Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited | 15.00 |
| 13 | Mumbai (BPCL) | 1955 | Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited | 12.00 |
| 14 | Kochi | 1963 | Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited | 15.50 |
| 15 | Numaligarh | 2000 | Numaligarh Refinery Limited | 3.00 |
| 16 | Mangalore | 1996 | Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited | 15.00 |
| 17 | Tatipaka (AP) | 2001 | Oil and Natural Gas Corporation | 0.066 |
| 18 | Bina | 2011 | Bharat Oman Refinery Limited | 7.80 |
| 19 | Bathinda | 2012 | HPCL Mittal Energy Limited | 11.30 |
| 20 | DTA Jamnagar | 1999 | Reliance Industries Limited | 33.00 |
| 21 | SEZ Jamnagar | 2008 | Reliance Industries Limited | 35.20 |
| 22 | Vadinar | 2006 | Nayara Energy | 20.00 |
India vs Global Refining Capacity
USA has the largest refining capacity in the world followed by China, Russia and India. India refining capacity is 4th highest in the world.
| Rank | Country | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 19 MBOPD |
| 2 | China | 18.5 MBOPD |
| 3 | Russia | 6.8 MBOPD |
| 4 | India | 5.2 MBOPD |
| 5 | South Korea | 3.5 MBOPD |
| 6 | Japan | 3.28 MBOPD |
USA
United states of America has Petroleum refining capacity of 19 million barrels of oil per day.
- Total Capacity: 19 MBOPD (million barrels of oil per day.)
- Total Refineries: 127
- Largest Refinery: Galveston Bay(Marathon Petroleum Corp)
- largest company: Marathon Petroleum Corp
China
China is the world’s 2nd largest oil refiner, with capacity reaching approximately 18.5 million barrels per day
- Total Capacity: 18.5 MBOPD (million barrels of oil per day.)
- Total Refineries: 200 approx
- Largest Refinery: Zhenhai Refinery(Sinopac)
- largest company: Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation)
Russia
Russia is the world’s 3rd largest oil refiner, with capacity reaching approximately 6.8 million barrels per day.
- Total Capacity: 6.8 MBOPD (million barrels of oil per day.)
- Total Refineries: 34
- Largest Refinery: Omsk Refinery (Gazprom Neft)
- largest company: Rosneft
India
India is the world’s 4th largest oil refiner, with capacity reaching approximately 5.2 million barrels per day.
- Total Capacity: 5.2 MBOPD (million barrels of oil per day.)
- Total Refineries: 23
- Largest Refinery: Jamnagar Refinery (Reliance Industries Limited)
- largest company: Indian Oil Corporation
Why India is a Refining Powerhouse
India is a petroleum refining powerhouse, India refining capacity not only cater Indian domestic demand but also export petroleum products to different countries.
Strategic Geography
- India is close to Middle East oil suppliers like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, which makes it easy to transport.
- Ideal for exporting to Europe, Africa, Asia.
Complex Refineries
- India has complex refineries with ability to process heavy & cheap crude oil in Reliance refinery in Jamnagar.
- High refining margins.
Export-Oriented Growth
- Major exporter of diesel, petrol, ATF(Aircraft Fuel)
- Key markets: Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia.
Future Refining Capacity Expansion in India
India aims to increase refining capacity to 300 MMTPA with New Refinery addition in Barmer, Ratnagiri and Nagapattinam.
| Project | Location | Capacity (MMTPA) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratnagiri Mega Refinery | Maharashtra | 60 | On hold |
| Barmer Refinery | Rajasthan | 9 | Under construction |
| Nagapattinam Refinery | Tamil Nadu | 9 | Under development |
| Numaligarh Expansion | Assam | 9 (expansion) | Under expansion |
India’s refining sector has evolved into a global powerhouse with advanced infrastructure and strategic advantages. With continued expansion and strong export demand, the country is set to maintain its position as a leading refining hub worldwide.