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

The refinery’s capacity will increase from 2,10,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2,80,000 bpd as part of a broader growth strategy. In addition to refining, CPCL will also venture into the fuel retailing business, with plans to set up 300 fuel stations by mid-2028. Managing Director H Shankar emphasised that CPCL's expansion will mark a new phase, stating, “CPCL 2.0 will be a different version of what industry has seen it as a standalone refinery.”

The company aims to complete a feasibility study for the refinery expansion by October 2026, which will determine the cost and configuration of new units. Meanwhile, the MD shared that CPCL is finalising plans for a 1,80,000 bpd refinery and petrochemical units in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.