Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL), a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, is evaluating expansion of its Manali refinery in North Chennai from 10.5 million tonne per annum (MTPA) to 14 MTPA.

This follows consistent capacity utilisation exceeding 110 percent. In Q1 FY25, utilisation reached 114 percent. “To sustain operations at 115%, we need investment in hardware, tankage and infrastructure,” said H. Shankar, Managing Director, CPCL. A feasibility study began last month.

CPCL also updated progress on its upcoming nine MTPA refinery at Nagapattinam, a joint venture with IOCL. Over 1,200 acres of land have been acquired, and the revised capital cost is Rs 36,400 crore. IOCL holds a 75 percent stake and CPCL 25 percent, Reconfiguration is underway to revise the petrochemical intensity index before seeking ministry approvals.