Numaligarh Refinery Limited Expands Capacity, Advances Green Hydrogen Plans

Guwahati / New Delhi, December 2025 – Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), a Navratna and Category-I Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, continues to reinforce its position as a key energy player in Northeast India through large-scale expansion and sustainability initiatives.

Established on April 22, 1993, in line with the historic Assam Accord of 1985, NRL began commercial operations in October 2000 after its 3 MMTPA refinery was dedicated to the nation by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in July 1999. Since then, the company has consistently delivered strong operational performance while contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Assam and the wider Northeast region.

 

Major Refinery Expansion Underway

NRL is currently implementing a mega refinery expansion project to increase its capacity from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA, with an estimated investment exceeding ₹28,000 crore, making it one of the largest industrial projects in the Northeast. The project includes:

• A crude oil import terminal at Paradip Port, Odisha

• Laying of approximately 1,640 km of crude oil pipelines

• Supporting infrastructure for long-term energy security

In addition, the company is setting up a 360 KTPA Polypropylene Plant at an estimated cost of ₹7,231 crore, further strengthening its petrochemical portfolio.

Commitment to Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals

Aligning with India’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, NRL has advanced its own goal to become net zero by 2038. As part of this roadmap, the company has initiated steps to establish a Green Hydrogen Plant with a capacity of 300 kg per hour (18 MW) within its refinery premises, in line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Strong Capital Structure and Shareholding

As of June 10, 2025, NRL’s paid-up share capital stands at ₹1,758.99 crore. The shareholding structure includes:

• Oil India Limited – 69.63%

• Government of Assam – 26.00%

• Engineers India Limited – 4.37%

Diverse Product Portfolio and Community Focus

NRL produces a wide range of petroleum and petrochemical products including LPG, MS, HSD, ATF, Naphtha, Petroleum Coke, Wax, Sulphur, Polypropylene feedstock, and specialty products. The company is also known for exporting paraffin wax to international markets.

Beyond business, NRL maintains a strong commitment to community development through skill-building, education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives, guided by the principle that business growth must support human well-being.

 

Vision for the Future

With a clear focus on operational excellence, safety, environmental stewardship, and regional development, NRL aims to evolve into a globally respected energy company while remaining a cornerstone of industrial growth in Northeast India.