HPCL-Mittal Energy (HMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 2,600 crore to expand operations at the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery in Bathinda.

The investment will focus on setting up polypropylene downstream industries and fine chemical projects. According to Prabh Das, MD & CEO of HMEL, Punjab is becoming a key hub for polypropylene manufacturing, meeting 14 percent of the nation's demand. The refinery, which produces fuels like petrol and diesel, has already contributed significantly to the state’s economy. “Punjab has emerged as a major hub for polypropylene manufacturing,” MD Das said. The investment will also create new employment and support the growth of Bathinda’s industrial sector.

Punjab’s Industry Minister, Sanjeev Arora, mentioned plans for a dedicated plastic industrial park near Ludhiana, which will further strengthen the region’s plastic manufacturing industry. HMEL is also looking to establish multi-fuel petrol pumps with electric vehicle charging stations across the state.