India’s state-run HPCL plans to start operating the new 180kb/d Barmer refinery in Rajasthan by the end of December and reach full capacity in about a year's time according to head of refineries S Bharatan.

• "The new refinery can process 100% heavy grades so we will buy Middle Eastern heavy oil and will also bid to buy Mangala oil as we have a dedicated pipeline from the field to refinery," he said.
• HPCL is aiming to commission an integrated petrochemical project at the same site in Q2 2025, Bharatan said.
• The project was due for completion by December 2022 but was delayed by pandemic related shutdowns.
• HPCL has a 74% stake in the project with the Rajasthan government holding the remainder.