Top 10 largest oil refineries in the world

Oil refineries play a central role in the global energy system, turning crude oil into petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other products that power industries, transport and households.

Over the years, countries with strong industrial ambitions have invested heavily in building massive refineries to meet domestic demand, reduce imports and earn foreign exchange through exports.

The size of a refinery, usually measured by how many barrels of crude oil it can process per day, often reflects a country’s economic strength, energy security plans and technological capacity.

As global energy demand continues to grow, especially in Asia and Africa, the race to build larger and more efficient refineries has intensified.

Below are the ten largest oil refineries in the world, based on installed crude processing capacity.

1. Jamnagar Refinery, India.

Owned by Reliance Industries Limited, the Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat is the largest oil refinery complex in the world, with a combined capacity of about 1.24 million barrels per day.

It consists of two refineries and is known for its advanced technology and strong export focus.

2. Dangote Refinery, Nigeria.

Owned by Dangote Industries Limited, the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is designed to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs while exporting to other African countries.

The refinery is undergoing expansion plans that could raise capacity to about 1.4 million barrels per day, potentially making it the largest in the world.

3. Ruwais Refinery, United Arab Emirates.

Operated by ADNOC, the Ruwais refinery complex has a combined capacity of roughly 837,000 barrels per day following major expansion projects.

It is a key part of the UAE’s strategy to add value to its crude oil resources.

4. Ulsan Refinery, South Korea.

Owned by SK Energy, the Ulsan refinery processes about 840,000 barrels per day.

It is one of Asia’s most sophisticated refining hubs and supplies both domestic and export markets.

5. Yeosu Refinery, South Korea.

Operated by GS Caltex, the Yeosu refinery has a capacity of around 800,000 barrels per day and plays a major role in meeting energy demand across East Asia.

6. Port Arthur Refinery, United States.

Owned by Motiva Enterprises, the Port Arthur refinery in Texas has a capacity of about 640,000 barrels per day, making it the largest single-site refinery in the United States.

7. Abadan Refinery, Iran.

One of the oldest refineries in the Middle East, the Abadan refinery has a current capacity of about 600,000 barrels per day after several rehabilitation and upgrade projects.

8. Ras Tanura Refinery, Saudi Arabia.

Operated by Saudi Aramco, the Ras Tanura refinery has a capacity of roughly 550,000 barrels per day and is closely linked to the kingdom’s massive oil export infrastructure.

9. SK Inchon Refinery, South Korea.

Another major facility in South Korea, the Inchon refinery has a processing capacity of about 500,000 barrels per day and supports the country’s strong refining and export base.

10. Pernis Refinery, Netherlands.

Owned by Shell, the Pernis refinery near Rotterdam is Europe’s largest, with a capacity of about 404,000 barrels per day, serving as a major supply hub for the continent.