The global oil industry is a vast and complex network, pivotal to powering economies and fueling industries worldwide.
With 825 active refineries currently in operation, the sector is set for significant growth. The crude distillation unit (CDU) capacity, a key measure of a refinery’s processing power, is expected to grow by 15% between 2023 and 2027.
According to GlobalData’s refinery database complied by Offshore Technology, in 2022, the United States held the highest CDU capacity, with China and Russia following closely behind.
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Here is a list of the ten largest active oil refineries by CDU capacity globally in 2022.
1. Paraguana Refinery – Venezuela
Paraguana Refinery in Falcon, Venezuela, a cornerstone of the country’s oil industry. Owned and operated by Petroleos de Venezuela, this refinery is a coking facility, which allows it to process heavy crude oil into valuable products. Operational since 1949, Paraguana boasts a CDU capacity of 955 thousand barrels per day (mbd), making it the largest refinery in the world by this measure. The refinery’s Nelson Complexity Index (NCI), which gauges the refinery’s ability to produce higher-value products, is 7.1. Despite its age, Paraguana remains a critical asset for Venezuela’s oil exports.
2. Ulsan Refinery – South Korea
The Ulsan Refinery in South Korea, owned by SK Innovation Co., with a CDU capacity of 840mbd. This refinery, which began operations in 1964, is also a coking refinery, enhancing its ability to process heavy crude. Operated by SK Energy Co., the Ulsan facility is a significant player in the Asian oil market, with an NCI of 7.3. Its integrated operations contribute substantially to South Korea’s refining capacity, underscoring the country’s strategic role in the global energy supply chain.
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3. Ruwais Refinery – South Korea
The Ruwais Refinery is located in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, not the more commonly known Ruwais facility in the UAE. This cracking refinery, owned by Chevron and GS Energy, has a CDU capacity of 800mbd and has been operational since 1969. With an NCI of 6.9, Ruwais plays a critical role in processing crude into lighter, more valuable products. It is operated by GS Caltex, a joint venture that exemplifies the global nature of the oil industry, where multinational collaborations are essential.
4. Dayushan Island Refinery – China
The Dayushan Island Refinery in Zhejiang, China, represents the growing influence of Asia in the global oil market. This relatively new refinery, operational since 2019, is a coking facility with a CDU capacity of 800mbd. It is owned by a consortium that includes Jihua Group, Tongkun Group Co., and Zhejiang Rongsheng Holding Group Co., among others. With an impressive NCI of 12.1, the Dayushan Island Refinery is one of the most complex refineries in the world, capable of producing a wide range of high-value products. Operated by Zhejiang Petrochemical Co., this refinery is a symbol of China’s rapid advancement in refining capacity and technology.
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5. Jamnagar II Refinery – India
India’s Jamnagar II Refinery, located in Gujarat, is one of the largest globally by CDU capacity, with a rating of 707mbd. Owned and operated by Reliance Industries, this coking refinery began operations in 2008 and has quickly become a critical hub for India’s oil industry. The refinery’s NCI of 14.0 indicates its high complexity, allowing it to produce a diverse range of products from various crude types. Jamnagar II is part of a larger refinery complex, which, together with its sister refinery, forms one of the most significant refining hubs in the world.
6. Jamnagar I Refinery – India
Also located in Gujarat, India, the Jamnagar I Refinery with a CDU capacity of 660mbd. This refinery, which started operations in 1999, is another jewel in Reliance Industries’ crown. As a coking refinery with an NCI of 11.3, Jamnagar I plays a crucial role in meeting both domestic and international energy demands. The integration of this refinery with Jamnagar II enhances the overall efficiency and output of the complex, solidifying its position as a global refining powerhouse.
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7. Port Arthur II Refinery – United States
Port Arthur II Refinery, situated in Texas, United States, with a CDU capacity of 635mbd. This coking refinery has been operational since 1903, making it one of the oldest refineries on the list. Owned by Saudi Arabian Oil Co. and operated by Motiva Enterprises, Port Arthur II has an NCI of 10.0. Despite its age, the refinery remains a vital component of the U.S. refining infrastructure, contributing significantly to the country’s energy security and export capacity.
8. Al-Zour Refinery – Kuwait
Kuwait’s Al-Zour Refinery, having started operations in 2022. Located in Al Ahmadi, this cracking refinery has a CDU capacity of 615mbd and is owned by Kuwait Petroleum, with operations managed by Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Co. With an NCI of 7.1, Al-Zour is designed to process heavy crude oil, producing a range of high-value products. Its recent inauguration marks a significant expansion of Kuwait’s refining capacity, positioning the country to better serve both regional and global markets.
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9. Texas City III Refinery – United States
The Texas City III Refinery, also located in Texas, USA, with a capacity of 593mbd. This coking refinery has been in operation since 1934 and is currently owned by Marathon Petroleum and operated by Blanchard Refining Co. With an NCI of 11.6, Texas City III is one of the more complex refineries in the United States, capable of processing a wide range of crude oils into high-value products. Its longevity and continued relevance underscore the enduring importance of the Gulf Coast region to the global oil industry.
10. Jurong Island I Refinery – Singapore
The Jurong Island I Refinery in Singapore, is owned by Exxon Mobil. This cracking refinery, operational since 1966, has a CDU capacity of 592mbd. Operated by ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants Co., the refinery has an NCI of 5.8. Jurong Island I plays a critical role in Singapore’s status as a global refining hub, strategically located to serve the energy demands of Southeast Asia and beyond.
