Global refining capacity is going to keep growing
Fast-growing markets are adding more plants and eking out gains at older ones. What's coming on, where, and when?
Global refinery capacity looks set to expand steadily through the early 2020s, and industry utilisation rates are expected to remain high. Capacity expansion is expected to lag most analyst expectations of world oil demand growth of 1.3m barrels a day per year by about 300,000 b/d per year through the early 2020s. Most new capacity is being developed in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions. New refinery construction is underway as oil markets face significant shifts in product output and demand. Rising US light tight oil (LTO) output suggests increased light distillate production, while an expected increase in middle distillate demand will stem from new IMO regulations mandating the
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation






