Refining Report: Asia sees major capacity buildout
The region is the global leader in active refining projects, with most based in India and China
Asian oil consumption has increased by more than 6m b/d over the past decade, to reach nearly 36m b/d. The region’s oil demand is forecast to surge by an additional 5.5m b/d, to reach more than 41m b/d, by 2029, according to the IEA. In turn, the region has been the leader in new refining capacity additions, adding approximately 4m b/d of crude distillation unit capacity over the past ten years. By 2028, Asian refining capacity is forecast to increase by nearly a further 4m b/d. The region has also focused on increasing secondary unit capacity. This includes expanding and upgrading as well as building grassroots units to produce cleaner-burning fuels. Many Asian countries have enacted low-su
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






