IOCL test runs crude oil processing unit at Paradip.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has test run its 15 million tonne per annum (mtpa) crude oil refining facility at Paradip after it received consent to operate order earlier this month from Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).

However, the unit will take another 6-8 months for commissioning as it is in the process of operationalising secondary units, which are required for advance refining of products such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, kerosene, gas oil, which come out of crude oil processing.

'Additional refining of petroleum products is profitable. Hence, we want to start the refinery when all units are functional,' said a spokesperson for the Paradip refinery project of IOCL.

The unit received Odisha High Court nod on April 16 this year to draw water from Mahanadi river subject to fulfilling certain conditions.

IOCL had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government in February 2004 to set up a 15 million tonne refinery along with a petrochemical complex at Paradip envisaging a total investment of Rs. 60,000 crore.


BS