Oil refineries are the backbone of the global energy ecosystem, transforming crude oil into the fuels and petrochemical products that power industries, economies, and everyday life.
From early 20th-century engineering feats to 21st-century mega-complexes, these industrial giants drive the flow of global energy and trade.
Below are the 11 largest oil refineries in the world, ranked by capacity and listed in chronological order — from the oldest to the newest.
1. Port Arthur Refinery, United States (1903, Rebuilt 2002)
Operator: Motiva Enterprises
Commissioned in 1903, the Port Arthur Refinery in Texas stands as one of the oldest and most productive refining sites in the United States. Following a series of expansions — notably in the early 2000s — the facility now refines around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), serving as a major hub for America’s Gulf Coast energy network.
2. Baton Rouge Refinery, United States (1909, Expanded 2023)
Owner: ExxonMobil
Established in 1909, the Baton Rouge Refinery in Louisiana has grown into one of North America’s largest and most advanced refineries. With a capacity of 520,000 bpd, ExxonMobil’s continuous modernization efforts — including a recent expansion in 2023 — ensure the facility remains vital to the U.S. energy supply chain.
3. Galveston Bay Refinery, United States (1931, Expanded 2019)
Owner: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Built in 1931, the Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City has evolved into a refining powerhouse, processing 631,000 bpd. Its 2019 upgrades significantly enhanced production efficiency and sustainability, solidifying its role as a top supplier for both U.S. and global markets.
4. Ras Tanura Refinery, Saudi Arabia (1945)
Operator: Saudi Aramco
In operation since 1945, the Ras Tanura Refinery remains one of the most strategically important oil facilities in the world. With a capacity of 550,000 bpd, it anchors Saudi Aramco’s downstream operations and continues to play a central role in global energy exports.
5. Paraguaná Refining Complex, Venezuela (1950s)
Operator: Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA)
Developed during the 1950s, Venezuela’s Paraguaná Refining Complex unites three refineries — Amuay, Cardón, and Bajo Grande — with a combined capacity of 940,000 bpd. The facility remains a key refining center in the Western Hemisphere and a vital pillar of Venezuela’s oil sector.
6. Ulsan Refinery, South Korea (1964)
Operator: SK Energy
Commissioned in 1964, the Ulsan Refinery is South Korea’s largest, boasting a capacity of 850,000 bpd. Renowned for its technological sophistication, it produces a wide range of fuels and petrochemical products that support both domestic and export markets across Asia.
7. Yeosu Refinery, South Korea (1969, Expanded 2021)
Operator: GS Caltex
Established in 1969, the Yeosu Refinery is a global energy leader with a capacity of 840,000 bpd. Its 2021 expansion introduced advanced environmental systems, making it one of Asia’s most efficient and eco-friendly refining facilities.
8. Onsan Refinery, South Korea (1979)
Operator: S-Oil Corporation
Operational since 1979, the Onsan Refinery refines approximately 669,000 bpd. The plant is celebrated for its innovation and production of ultra-clean fuels that meet strict international environmental standards.
9. Ruwais Refinery, United Arab Emirates (1982, Expanded 2015)
Operator: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Built in 1982, the Ruwais Refinery underwent a major upgrade in 2015, increasing its capacity to 827,000 bpd. It is now one of the largest refining complexes in the Middle East and a central pillar of ADNOC’s downstream strategy.
10. Jamnagar Refinery, India (1999, Expanded 2008)
Owner: Reliance Industries Limited
Commissioned in 1999 and expanded in 2008, the Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat, India, is the largest oil refinery in the world, capable of processing 1.24 million bpd. This ultra-modern complex is globally recognized for its efficiency, innovation, and export capabilities.
11. Dangote Refinery, Nigeria (2023)
Owner: Dangote Industries Limited
Launched in 2023, the Dangote Refinery in Lagos is Africa’s most ambitious industrial project and the newest refinery on this list. With a capacity of 650,000 bpd, it aims to make Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and a major exporter across Africa.
