Hydrocarbon Processing Refining Databook 2025: Introduction
Greater social mobility means increased global demand for refined fuels and petrochemical products, with Asia leading the way in the expansion of refining capacity
Global crude distillation capacity stands at more 103m b/d (see Fig.1), of which 36% is accounted for by Asia-Pacific. The region has significantly increased refining capacity over the past 20 years, having boosted installed capacity by approximately 15.8m b/d, to nearly 37.5m b/d, according to the Energy Institute. Asia is followed by North America (21.9m b/d), Europe (14.9m b/d) and the Middle East (11.6m b/d) in terms of capacity. Asia is also the leader in total secondary unit capacity (upgrading, octane, desulphurisation). Active projects At the time of publication, Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure database w

Also in this section
1 April 2025
Strong economic growth targets are encouraging for the country’s energy demand growth, even if meeting those goals might be a tall order
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.
27 March 2025
Awards celebrate global innovation, leadership and achievement across the energy sector’s people, projects, technologies and companies.