Argus Media Limited

09/14/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/14/2021 05:33

Refinery runs at India’s MRPL, BPCL dip on maintenance

Indian state-controlled refiner MRPL is operating at a lower capacity this month as one of its crude distillation units (CDUs) is shut for planned maintenance, while fellow refiner BPCL's Mumbai refinery is running slightly below 100pc, market participants told Argus.

MRPL is operating its 300,000 b/d Mangalore refinery at 70-75pc capacity compared with 80pc last month as its CDU 1 is shut for a planned turnaround, market participants said. The unit's restart date could not be confirmed.

BPCL is operating its 240,000 b/d Mumbai refinery at 98pc capacity during a planned turnaround at its diesel hydrodesulphuriser unit, while its 310,000 b/d Kochi refinery is operating at around 80pc capacity.

BPCL plans to operate both refineries at 100pc capacity during September-October, while MRPL plans to increase operating capacity to maximum levels from October.

Crude throughput at state-owned refiner IOC's Paradip refinery could be as low as 50pc as its vacuum distillation unit underwent maintenance last month, market participants said. There were also units undergoing planned turnarounds at its 120,000 b/d Barauni refinery, likely capping IOC's overall run rates.

IOC, India's largest state-owned refiner, plans to raise throughput to 100pc by November. The refiner has emerged to buy almost 100,000t (890,000 bl) of gasoline cargoes for September delivery through a rare tender, while continuing to export diesel as demand for motor fuels remains uneven in India.

The country's gasoline consumption continued to surpass pre-Covid-19 levels in August as driving activity increased with the reopening of public places and offices, while diesel use continued to fall on the month because of a monsoon-induced fall in trucking activities and higher retail prices.

By Sathya Narayanan