What Are the World's Biggest Oil Refineries?

Extracting oil out of the ground is one thing. Transforming it into usable products is an entirely different industry dominated by refineries. Over the past decade, a new breed of refinery has reinvented the way oil is processed. The plants are known as “super refineries and can be found across the globe.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest:

Jamnagar Refinery

Located in the Jamnagar Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in India, Jamnagar Refinery churns out a huge 1,240,000 barrels of oil per day. This represents a staggering 1.6% of global capacity. The figure also accounts for more than 30% of total oil consumption in India.

Paraguaná Refinery Complex

In northwest Venezuela, the Paraguaná Refinery Complex represents more than 70% of the country’s total refining capacity. The complex refines an impressive 940,000 barrels per day, making it one of the largest “super refineries” in the world.

SK Energy Ulsan Refinery Complex

As well as being one of the largest refineries in Asia, the SK Energy Ulsan Refinery Complex in South Korea is one of the largest in the world. The complex has been refining oil since 1964 and now has the capacity to produce around 850,000 barrels per day. Gasoline, Diesel, LPG, Jet Fuel and Asphalt are some of the main products refined at the SK Energy Ulsan Refinery Complex.

GS-Caltex Yeosu Refinery

Another South Korean giant, GS-Caltex Yeosu Refinery houses the largest vacuum distillation unit in the world. This contributes to its enormous capacity of 730,000 barrels per day.

S Oil Ulsan Refinery

In fifth place is S Oil Ulsan Refinery, also located in South Korea. Following an expansion in 2011, the refinery now has a condensate splitter and several petrochemical plants. The additions boosted capacity to 669,000 barrels per day, earning it status as a super refinery.

Exxon Mobil Singapore Refinery

With capacity to produce 592,000 barrels per day, Exxon Mobil Singapore Refinery specializes in ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel. The complex includes two separate refining sites, connected by pipelines. As well as a variety of fuels, Exxon Mobil Singapore Refinery also produces base oils for use in the production of automotive lubricants, aromatics and chemical products.

Want to know more about what goes on behind the scenes of the world’s biggest refineries? Sensor technologies are front and centre in ‘Gas detection with networked communications for safety and process automation in refinery wastewater treatment applications’ featuring commentary from Stephen B. Harrison on behalf of Teledyne Analytical Instruments.