Oil refineries are at the heart of the global energy industry — converting crude oil into essential fuels and products that drive transportation, manufacturing, and power generation.
The largest refineries process hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude every day, shaping international trade and global energy supply.
Below are the top 10 biggest oil refineries in the world, ranked by capacity and operational scale:
1. Jamnagar Refinery — India (1.24 million bpd)
Owned by Reliance Industries, the Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat, India, is the largest oil refinery in the world, with a processing capacity of 1.24 million barrels per day (bpd).
It serves as a major export hub and a cornerstone of India’s energy infrastructure.
2. Paraguaná Refining Complex — Venezuela (940,000 bpd)
Operated by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), this massive complex on Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula handles around 940,000 bpd.
It’s one of the largest refining centers in the Western Hemisphere.
3. Ulsan Refinery — South Korea (850,000 bpd)
Managed by SK Energy, the Ulsan Refinery processes about 850,000 bpd.
It’s South Korea’s largest refinery and one of the most technologically advanced in Asia.
4. Yeosu Refinery — South Korea (840,000 bpd)
Run by GS Caltex, the Yeosu Refinery refines approximately 840,000 bpd, making it a key player in Asia’s refined fuel export market.
5. Ruwais Refinery — United Arab Emirates (827,000 bpd)
Operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Ruwais Refinery processes around 827,000 bpd.
It’s a central export hub for the UAE and one of the most important refineries in the Middle East.
6. Onsan Refinery — South Korea (669,000 bpd)
Owned by S-Oil Corporation, the Onsan Refinery handles 669,000 bpd.
It’s renowned for its advanced refining technology and operational efficiency.
7. Dangote Refinery — Nigeria (650,000 bpd)
Located in Lagos, Nigeria, and owned by Dangote Industries, this state-of-the-art refinery has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
It’s Africa’s largest refinery and a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy independence and exports.
8. Galveston Bay Refinery — United States (631,000 bpd)
Operated by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, the Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas, refines about 631,000 bpd.
It’s one of the leading fuel suppliers in North America.
9. Beaumont Refinery — United States (630,000 bpd)
ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Refinery in Texas processes roughly 630,000 bpd and continues to expand through modernization and capacity upgrades.
10. Port Arthur Refinery — United States (600,000 bpd)
Run by Motiva Enterprises, the Port Arthur Refinery in Texas produces around 600,000 bpd, ranking among the largest in the U.S. refining network.
Conclusion
These refineries are the backbone of global oil supply — powering industries, transportation, and economies across continents.
Even as the world moves toward cleaner and renewable energy, these megarefineries remain crucial to ensuring energy stability, trade continuity, and industrial growth worldwide.
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