CPCL Sets Sights on 280,000 BPD in Massive Manali Expansion

Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL), a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), is set to undertake a major expansion at its Manali Refinery.

The project will boost the refinery’s capacity from 2,10,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2,80,000 bpd, forming a key part of CPCL’s broader growth strategy. Alongside refining, the company plans to enter the fuel retail sector, aiming to establish 300 fuel stations by mid-2028. Managing Director H. Shankar highlighted that this expansion will usher in a new phase for CPCL, noting, “CPCL 2.0 will be a different version of what the industry has seen it as a standalone refinery.”

CPCL expects to complete a feasibility study for the Manali refinery expansion by October 2026, which will define the cost and design of the new units. In parallel, the company is finalising plans for a 1,80,000 bpd refinery and associated petrochemical units in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.