Oil refineries convert millions of barrels of crude oil into the gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products that power our daily lives. These massive industrial complexes process enormous volumes of raw materials, with some handling over one million barrels per day to meet global energy demands.
The largest oil refineries in the world are dominated by facilities in India, Venezuela, and South Korea, with India’s Jamnagar Refinery leading at 1.24 million barrels per day capacity.
Companies like Reliance Industries, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and BP operate these giant facilities that form the backbone of the global energy supply chain. From the Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas to emerging facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, these refineries determine how quickly crude oil reaches your gas tank.
Understanding which refineries lead in processing capacity reveals the geographic centers of energy production and the corporate giants that control your fuel supply. You’ll discover how these facilities compare in size, the countries that host them, and what their massive processing power means for global energy markets.
Jamnagar Refinery – India
The Jamnagar Refinery stands as the world’s largest oil refinery, owned by Reliance Industries Limited. You’ll find this massive complex in Gujarat, India, where it processes 1.24 million barrels per day.
Key Details:
- Owner: Reliance Industries Limited
- Location: Motikhavdi, Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Commissioned: July 14, 1999
- Current Capacity: 1,240,000 barrels per day
The refinery began with a capacity of 668,000 barrels per day. Through expansion, it became the largest single-site refining complex globally.
You can appreciate the scale when you consider the complex spans 7,500 acres. It houses 2,500 employees in a dedicated township covering 415 acres.
The facility transformed India from a fuel-deficit nation to a refining powerhouse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the refinery adapted by quadrupling polymer exports to over 10,000 containers through strategic partnerships.
Environmental Impact:
The Jamnagar facility produces significant emissions. In 2022, it generated 19.76 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, making it the world’s largest refinery emitter.
Your understanding of global refining capacity isn’t complete without recognizing Jamnagar’s role. It processes more oil daily than any other single location worldwide, establishing India as a major refining hub.
Paraguana Refinery Complex – Venezuela
The Paraguana Refinery Complex in Venezuela ranks as the second-largest oil refinery complex in the world. You’ll find this massive facility located on the Paraguaná Peninsula in Falcón state, Venezuela.
Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company, operates this complex. The facility combines three separate refineries into one powerful operation.
Key Components
| Refinery | Daily Capacity | Year Started |
|---|---|---|
| Amuay | 645,000 barrels | 1950 |
| Cardón | 305,000 barrels | 1949 |
| Bajo Grande | 16,000 barrels | 1956 |
The complex processes 955,000 barrels per day total. This accounts for 71% of Venezuela’s entire refining capacity.
You should know that the facility has faced significant challenges. PDVSA has experienced safety issues and operational problems in recent years.
Iranian state firms are currently negotiating to repair parts of the complex. This reflects Venezuela’s efforts to restore full operations.
The Amuay refinery houses the world’s largest flexicoker unit. It can process 64,000 barrels per day alone.
Despite its massive size, the complex sometimes operates at reduced capacity. Political and economic factors in Venezuela affect its daily operations.
Ulsan Refinery – South Korea
The Ulsan Refinery stands as South Korea’s largest oil refinery, operating with a massive capacity of 850,000 barrels per day. SK Energy has owned and operated this facility since 1964.
You’ll find this refinery located in Ulsan, South Korea’s seventh-largest metropolitan city. The facility serves as a major industrial hub for the entire country.
Key Specifications:
- Daily Capacity: 850,000 barrels per day
- Annual Capacity: 40.2 million tons
- Owner: SK Energy
- Established: 1964
The refinery processes crude oil from multiple regions around the world. Oil tankers deliver supplies from the Middle East, South America, and Africa to meet production demands.
Products Manufactured:
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel
- Asphalt
Your understanding of this facility’s scale becomes clear when you consider its storage capacity. The complex houses 34 large crude oil storage tanks that can hold 16 million barrels of oil total.
The refinery’s technological sophistication allows it to produce high-value yields from heavy crude oils. This advanced processing capability supports both South Korea’s domestic energy needs and export markets across Asia.
The facility has expanded significantly since its original 35,000 barrel per day capacity in 1964. Multiple expansion projects over the decades have transformed it into one of the world’s most complex refineries.
Port Arthur Refinery – USA
The Port Arthur Refinery stands as the largest oil refinery in the United States, processing an impressive 654,000 barrels per day as of 2025. Located in Texas, this massive facility has earned its position through strategic expansion and optimization efforts.
Ownership and Operations
Motiva Enterprises operates this refinery under Saudi Aramco ownership. The company achieved this record capacity without expensive new construction projects. Instead, they removed bottlenecks in the system to squeeze out more production.
Historical Background
You can trace the refinery’s roots back to 1902 when the Texas Company first constructed processing units. The facility began operations in 1903, making it one of America’s oldest refining sites.
Production Capabilities
The refinery produces multiple fuel types including:
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel
- Base oils
Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily capacity | 654,000 barrels |
| US ranking | #1 largest |
| Year established | 1903 |
| Location | Port Arthur, Texas |
The facility operates the largest base oil plant in the Western Hemisphere. This plant produces enough base oils to change oil in 1.3 million cars daily.
Strategic Position
While smaller refineries face closures across the country, Port Arthur continues expanding. This growth demonstrates how mega-refineries maintain competitive advantages through scale and efficiency improvements.
Ras Tanura Refinery – Saudi Arabia
You’ll find the Ras Tanura Refinery standing as one of the world’s most strategic oil processing facilities. Located on Saudi Arabia’s Persian Gulf coast, this massive complex processes 550,000 barrels per day.
Saudi Aramco has operated this refinery since 1945, making it the oldest refinery on the Persian Gulf coast. The facility began with just 60,000 barrels per day capacity but expanded dramatically over eight decades.
Key Processing Capabilities
| Product Type | Daily Output |
|---|---|
| Crude Oil Processing | 550,000 barrels |
| Gas Condensate | 225,000 barrels |
| Hydrocracking | 50,000 barrels |
You can see the refinery’s complexity through its diverse output. It produces gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas for both domestic and export markets.
The facility underwent a $8 billion expansion between 2007-2012. This project added crucial units including vacuum distillation and continuous catalyst regeneration systems.
Saudi Aramco completed another major upgrade in 2019 with the $2.6 billion clean fuels project. This expansion installed advanced naphtha processing equipment and aromatics production units.
Your understanding of global oil refining isn’t complete without recognizing Ras Tanura’s role. The refinery supplies petroleum products to the Dhahran bulk plant while exporting surplus production worldwide. Its strategic location near the industrial city of Jubail enhances its operational efficiency in the global energy market.
SK Energy Ulsan Refinery – South Korea
The SK Energy Ulsan Refinery stands as South Korea’s largest oil refinery and one of Asia’s most advanced processing facilities. You’ll find this massive complex in Ulsan Metropolitan City, where it has operated since 1964.
Processing Capacity and Scale
The refinery processes between 840,000 to 850,000 barrels per day, depending on the source. This makes it one of the world’s largest refineries with an annual capacity of 40.2 million tons.
Company Background
SK Energy originally began as Korea Oil Corporation in 1962. The company built this refinery as Korea’s first oil refinery facility, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy independence.
Products and Technology
The complex produces multiple petroleum products including:
- LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
- Gasoline for transportation
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel for aviation
- Asphalt for construction
You can see the facility’s technological sophistication through its complex refining units. The refinery operates multiple atmospheric distillation units with varying capacities, allowing it to process heavy crude oils efficiently.
Market Reach
The Ulsan complex serves both domestic Korean markets and international customers across Asia. Its strategic location and large capacity make it a key supplier for the region’s energy needs.
Abadan Refinery – Iran
When you examine global oil refining history, the Abadan Refinery stands as one of the oldest and most significant facilities in the world. Located in southwestern Iran near the Persian Gulf coast, this massive complex has shaped the oil industry for over a century.
Construction began in 1910 by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which later became BP. The facility started operations in 1912 with a modest capacity of 2,500 barrels per day.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Capacity | 429,000 barrels per day |
| Location | Abadan, Iran |
| Established | 1912 |
| Peak Capacity | 635,000 barrels per day (1980) |
You can trace the refinery’s remarkable growth through several expansion phases. By 1927, oil exports reached nearly 4.5 million tons annually. The facility achieved its greatest milestone in 1977 when expansions increased capacity to 600,000 barrels per day.
This made Abadan the largest refinery in the world at that time.
The Iran-Iraq War severely damaged the complex in 1980. Iraqi forces targeted the facility during the initial invasion, destroying much of its infrastructure.
Your understanding of the refinery’s resilience becomes clear when you consider its recovery. After the war ended in 1988, capacity gradually rebuilt to current levels. The facility now processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and petrochemical feedstocks.
Modern developments continue with Sinopec’s $1 billion expansion agreement signed in 2017, though COVID-19 temporarily halted progress in 2020.
ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery – USA
The ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery stands as one of America’s largest oil processing facilities, with a capacity of 584,000 barrels per day. Located in Baytown, Texas, about 25 miles east of Houston, this massive industrial complex spans over 3,400 acres along the Houston Ship Channel.
You’ll find this refinery consistently ranked among the top refineries in the United States by processing capacity. The facility originally opened in 1919 under Humble Oil Company operations before becoming part of ExxonMobil’s portfolio.
- Three crude distillation units
- Fluid catalytic cracking units
- Delayed coker unit
- Hydrotreating and hydrodesulfurization units
- Sulfur plant
The refinery processes crude oil from multiple sources, including Texas, Canada, and international suppliers from the Persian Gulf, Africa, and South America. This diverse supply chain helps maintain consistent operations throughout the year.
ExxonMobil employs approximately 7,000 people across the Baytown complex, making it the largest employer in the city. The facility includes not just refining operations but also petrochemical production and plastics manufacturing capabilities.
The complex has evolved into what ExxonMobil calls one of the world’s most technologically advanced integrated refining and petrochemical facilities. You can see its impact through the production of fuels, chemicals, and materials that support transportation, construction, packaging, and medical supply industries.
Reliance Hazira Refinery – India
The Reliance Hazira Refinery stands as one of India’s major petroleum processing facilities. Located in Gujarat state, this refinery operates as part of Reliance Industries Limited’s extensive energy infrastructure.
You’ll find this facility strategically positioned near the port city of Hazira. The location provides excellent access to crude oil imports and efficient product distribution networks.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Reliance Industries Limited |
| Location | Hazira, Gujarat, India |
| Operational Status | Active |
| Primary Products | Refined petroleum products, petrochemicals |
The refinery processes various grades of crude oil into essential products. These include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and specialized petrochemical feedstocks.
Production capabilities at Hazira focus on meeting both domestic and international market demands. The facility incorporates modern processing technologies to maximize efficiency and output quality.
Your understanding of India’s refining landscape should include Hazira’s role in the broader network. While smaller than the world’s largest Jamnagar refinery, Hazira contributes significantly to regional energy security.
The refinery benefits from integrated operations with other Reliance facilities. This integration allows for optimized crude sourcing, shared infrastructure, and coordinated product distribution across multiple sites.
Environmental compliance and safety protocols remain central to operations. The facility implements advanced emission control systems and maintains strict safety standards throughout its processes.
Hazira’s strategic importance extends beyond simple refining capacity. You can observe its role in supporting India’s position as a major player in global petroleum product markets.
Sarnia Refinery – Canada
The Sarnia refinery complex represents one of Canada’s most significant petroleum processing centers. You’ll find this industrial hub located in Ontario’s “Chemical Valley” along the St. Clair River.
Three Major Refineries Operate Here:
- Suncor Sarnia Refinery (85,000 barrels per day)
- Shell Sarnia Manufacturing Centre
- Imperial Oil Sarnia facility
The Suncor facility has operated continuously since 1952. It processes 85,000 barrels daily and employs approximately 500 workers. You can see its products distributed throughout southern Ontario, including Toronto.
Key Products Produced:
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Jet fuel
- Kerosene
- Asphalt
- Petrochemical feedstock
The refinery sources most of its crude oil from western Canada. Additional supplies come from U.S. purchases when needed.
Products reach customers through multiple distribution methods. The Sun-Canadian Pipeline carries refined products to Ontario terminals. Marine vessels and rail transport also deliver products directly to customers.
The Sarnia-Lambton petrochemical complex includes over 35 chemical facilities spanning 15 miles. This makes it Canada’s second-largest petrochemical cluster.
Your understanding of Canadian refining capacity isn’t complete without recognizing Sarnia’s role. The complex has contributed to Ontario’s fuel supply for over 70 years, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Canada’s energy infrastructure.
Ruwais Refinery – UAE
The Ruwais Refinery stands as the fourth-largest single-site oil refinery globally, processing over 922,000 barrels per day. You’ll find this massive facility located 245 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi City on the Arabian Gulf coast.
ADNOC operates this refining complex through a joint venture with international partners Eni and OMV. The refinery began operations in 1982 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurated the facility.
Key Production Details
| Capacity | 922,000+ barrels per day |
| Ranking | 4th largest single-site refinery worldwide |
| Location | Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Operator | ADNOC (joint venture) |
The complex consists of two main plants:
- Ruwais Refinery East: 420,000 barrels per day
- Ruwais Refinery West: 417,000 barrels per day
You can see the refinery’s diverse output in its product range. It produces liquefied petroleum gas, unleaded gasoline, diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel. The facility also creates specialized products like carbon black and calcined coke.
The refinery features three jetties with multiple berths for simultaneous loading operations. This setup allows several large cargo ships to load products at the same time.
ADNOC continues expanding the facility’s capabilities. Ongoing upgrade projects focus on increasing the range and volume of crude oil processing, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ position in global energy markets.
ExxonMobil Singapore Refinery – Singapore
The ExxonMobil Singapore Refinery operates with a capacity of 592,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest refineries globally. You’ll find this facility located on Jurong Island, where it serves as ExxonMobil’s biggest refining operation worldwide.
Facility Overview
- Location: Jurong Island, Singapore
- Capacity: 592,000 barrels per day
- Operational Status: Fully integrated complex
The refinery spans two interconnected sites. One sits on the mainland at Pioneer Road in Jurong, while the other operates on Jurong Island at Pulau Ayer Chawan.
You can trace the facility’s history back to 1966 when Mobil first commissioned the mainland site. The Jurong Island facility followed in 1970 under Esso operations.
After the Esso-Mobil merger in 1999, both sites combined into a single integrated complex. This integration created ExxonMobil’s largest manufacturing complex globally, combining refining and chemical operations.
The facility produces multiple products including fuels, lubricants, and specialty chemicals. It serves customers across Singapore and over 30 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Recent expansions completed in 2023 increased production capacity for low-sulfur fuels and high-quality lubricant base stocks. These upgrades enhanced the refinery’s ability to meet stricter environmental standards while maintaining high output levels.
Baton Rouge Refinery – USA
ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery stands as the sixth-largest oil refinery in the United States. Located in Louisiana, this massive facility processes 540,000 barrels per day.
The refinery has deep historical roots. Standard Oil built it in 1909, making it over a century old. You’ll find this facility holds special significance as the birthplace of modern refining technology.
Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily capacity | 540,000 barrels |
| US ranking | 6th largest |
| Global ranking | 17th largest |
| Employees | 4,000 direct |
| Total workers | 6,300 (including contractors) |
The Baton Rouge facility made history on May 25, 1942. It became home to the world’s first commercial fluid catalytic cracking plant. This technology revolutionized how you get gasoline from crude oil.
Today’s complex spans nine individual plants across the region. The main facility sits on the Mississippi River’s east bank. You’ll see it produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals.
Recent investments show the refinery’s continued importance. ExxonMobil completed a $230 million upgrade in 2024 through the BRRIC program. This modernization increased crude flexibility and export capabilities.
The facility also operates its own 85-megawatt power plant using natural gas turbines. An integrated chemical division produces 975,000 metric tons of ethylene annually, supporting plastic and chemical manufacturing.
Environmental monitoring shows the refinery emitted 5.9 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2023, placing it among the largest industrial emitters in the United States.
Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery – Kuwait
The Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery stands as Kuwait’s oldest oil processing facility, beginning operations in 1949. You’ll find this massive complex located 45 kilometers south of Kuwait City along the Arabian Gulf coast.
Initial Capacity and Growth
When you examine its history, the refinery started small with just 25,000 barrels per day capacity. The facility underwent major expansion in 1958, increasing to 190,000 barrels daily.
Today, you can see the refinery’s impressive scale with a current capacity of approximately 466,000 barrels per day. The complex covers over 10.5 million square meters of land.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) |
| Refinery Type | Integrated coking refinery |
| Nelson Complexity Index | 10.8 |
| Primary Products | Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil |
Modern Capabilities
You should know that Kuwait plans to increase refining capacity across its facilities to meet growing demand. The refinery produces Euro V compliant fuels through advanced processing units.
The facility includes specialized equipment like fluid catalytic cracking units and coking systems. These allow you to process heavier crude oils into lighter, more valuable products.
Strategic Importance
The refinery serves Kuwait’s domestic market while also contributing to export capabilities. You can observe its role in the country’s broader oil sector modernization efforts through ongoing capital projects.
Yanbu Refinery – Saudi Arabia
You’ll find multiple major refineries operating in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea coast. This industrial hub hosts several world-class facilities that process hundreds of thousands of barrels daily.
YASREF stands as the largest facility in the area. The Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company processes 400,000 barrels per day of Arabian heavy crude oil. This joint venture between Saudi Aramco and China’s Sinopec covers 5.2 million square meters.
SAMREF operates as another significant refinery in Yanbu. SAMREF was formed in 1981 as a partnership between Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil. The facility processes crude oil into various petroleum products.
The original Aramco Yanbu Refinery has been operating since 1983. This facility has a gross refining capacity of 240,000 barrels per day.
Key Statistics
| Refinery | Capacity (bpd) | Partners |
|---|---|---|
| YASREF | 400,000 | Aramco + Sinopec |
| SAMREF | Various | Aramco + ExxonMobil |
| Aramco Yanbu | 240,000 | Saudi Aramco |
You can see why Yanbu ranks among the world’s major refining centers. The combined processing capacity exceeds 600,000 barrels daily across these facilities.
The refineries produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals for both domestic use and export markets. Their strategic location on the Red Sea provides easy access to global shipping routes.