The global oil refining industry continues to play a critical role in meeting energy demands and driving industrial growth.
With emerging economies investing heavily in refining capacity, new players are challenging long-established giants like Reliance Industries and ExxonMobil.
In 2025, India’s Jamnagar Refinery remains the world’s largest operational refinery, while Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is on course to surpass it by 2028 following its newly announced expansion plan.
A Global Game-Changer
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest and one of the most advanced globally, announced its expansion from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, confirmed that the construction phase will begin immediately.
“Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing Jamnagar Refinery in India,”
Dangote said during a briefing in Lagos.
Oil refineries transform crude oil into essential fuels and industrial products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals.
These facilities demand multi-billion-dollar investments and advanced engineering systems to operate efficiently and safely.
The World’s Top 10 Oil Refineries (2025 Updated Ranking)
1 Jamnagar Refinery Complex India Reliance Industries with 1.24 million bpd
2 Paraguaná Refining Complex Venezuela PDVSA with 940,000 bpd
3 SK Energy Ulsan Refinery South Korea SK Energy with 900,000 bpd
4 Yeosu Refinery South Korea GS Caltex with 840,000 bpd
5 Ruwais Refinery UAE ADNOC with 827,000 bpd
6 Onsan Refinery South Korea S-Oil (Saudi Aramco) with 669,000 bpd
7 Dangote Refinery Nigeria Dangote Industries with 650,000 bpd (expanding to 1.4m)
8 Galveston Bay Refinery United States Marathon Petroleum with 631,000 bpd
9 Beaumont Refinery United States ExxonMobil with 630,000 bpd
10 Port Arthur Refinery United States Motiva Enterprises with 600,000 bpd
Asia dominates: Five of the top ten refineries are located in Asia, underlining the region’s growing energy demand.
Africa’s rise: Dangote Refinery positions Nigeria as a future refining powerhouse.
U.S. stability: The United States maintains strong representation with three refineries on the list.
Middle East growth: ADNOC’s Ruwais Refinery continues to expand under the UAE’s energy diversification strategy.
Looking Ahead
By 2028, global refining capacity is expected to exceed 105 million barrels per day, driven by expansions in Africa, China, and the Middle East.
The Dangote Refinery’s upgrade will likely redefine global oil trade patterns, reducing import dependence in Africa and increasing regional fuel security.