Refinery’s upgrade projects involve huge capital investment, however under the brownfield refining policy whereby the Government has offered certain incentives, your company plans the following upgradation projects:
Hydrocracker / Bottom of Barrel upgrade
This upgradation aims to partially reduce the production of Furnace oil and convert it into value added products.
CCR (Continuous Catalyst Regeneration) Platforming Unit
This unit aims to increase the Gasoline production and to meet country’s Gasoline Euro-V specifications. The Company is considering CCR (Continuous Catalyst Regeneration) Platforming unit along with other associated units.
To ensure alignment with evolving market demands, NRL has initiated a detailed feasibility study to be conducted by M/s Wood, a globally recognized engineering consultancy. This study will assess and optimize our currently planned projects, addressing potential gaps while enhancing overall project value. Additionally, the scope allows for the potential integration of supplementary units, if deemed necessary for improved operational or economic outcomes. It is expected that their scope would be finalized by October 31, 2025 and studies will be completed by third quarter of FY26. Based on the report the company would finalize the configuration of upgradation projects.
Turnaround of Lube-II Refinery
The Company plans to undertake the scheduled turnaround of its Lube-I Refinery in the second quarter of FY26 as a fundamental maintenance activity to ensuring smooth refinery operations. This turnaround is expected to support sustained plant performance at optimal levels and reduce the need for frequent maintenance interventions.
BTX (Benzene, Toluene & Xylene) - Plant
The Company’s BTX (petrochemical) plant was commissioned in 1979, with a design capacity of approximately 180,000 barrels per annum for extracting aromatics like benzene, toluene, and xylene, using reformate feedstock and solvent extraction technology. However, the plant is not in commercial use for quite some time. The Company is currently reviewing the feasibility of undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the plant during the year.
Fixed Bed Reformer Catalyst Replacement
In FY26, the Company plans to replace the catalyst in its existing Fixed Bed Reformer with an upgraded version. This enhancement is expected to improve product quality while marginally increasing gasoline production.
Motor Spirit Sulfur Reduction Project
A study has been commissioned to UOP (Universal Oil Products), the existing naphtha block licensor, to explore further reductions in medium naphtha sulfur content. Successful implementation of this initiative will enable further increase in production of low-sulfur motor spirit.