India to help Asia spearhead global refining
Shifting demand patterns leaves most populous nation primed to become downstream leader as China and the West retreat
India will help Asia lead growth in the global oil refining sector on the back of persistent fuel demand momentum, although expansion will be patchy among markets in the region, while China and developed economies will accelerate closures in response to slowing oil consumption as the energy transition advances. Global crude distillation unit (CDU) capacity is projected to grow by 1.55m b/d in 2025 based on 20 individual projects tracked by industry consultancies and research firms. This is roughly 30% lower than last year’s growth, which was bolstered by the startup of mega-refineries such as Nigeria’s 650,000b/d Dangote project, the 400,000b/d Yulong complex in China and Mexico’s 340,000b/d
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






