Pakistan’s largest oil refinery: oil refining sector plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy demands. Among several refineries, two stand out based on capacity and national importance: Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) and Byco Petroleum Refinery. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of these facilities along with a comparison of other major refineries.
1. Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) – Mid-Country Refinery (MCR)
Location: Mahmoodkot, Muzaffargarh, Punjab
Capacity: 120,000 barrels per day (bpd)
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Key Features:
- PARCO’s Mid-Country Refinery is Pakistan’s most modern and integrated facility.
- Equipped with Diesel Hydro Desulphurization (DHDS) technology to produce Euro-III compliant low-sulfur diesel.
- Supplies approximately 40% to 50% of Pakistan’s total refined petroleum products.
- Integrated with a cross-country pipeline network, storage terminals, and a marketing company (Total PARCO).
- Produces a wide range of petroleum products including diesel, petrol, jet fuel, kerosene, LPG, furnace oil, and bitumen.
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2. Byco Petroleum Refinery (now Cnergyico)
Location: Hub, Balochistan
Design Capacity: 156,000 barrels per day
Key Features:
- Pakistan’s largest oil refinery by design capacity.
- Consists of two refineries: ORC-I and ORC-II, with a combined capacity of 156,000 bpd.
- Produces over 2.4 million tons of diesel, 1.6 million tons of furnace oil, and 1.1 million tons of LPG annually.
- Actively upgrading systems to meet Euro-V standards.
- Leading private-sector refinery with access to a Single Point Mooring (SPM) for crude oil imports.
3. Comparison of Major Oil Refineries in Pakistan
| Refinery Name | Location | Capacity (Barrels Per Day) | Ownership Type | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byco Petroleum Refinery (Cnergyico) | Hub, Balochistan | 156,000 | Private Sector | Largest by design capacity, SPM-enabled |
| PARCO Mid-Country Refinery | Mahmoodkot, Punjab | 120,000 | Government/Private JV | Most modern, integrated pipeline and retail network |
| National Refinery Limited (NRL) | Karachi | 64,000 | Government-controlled | Produces lube base oils in addition to fuels |
| Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) | Rawalpindi | 53,400 | Private Sector | Oldest operating refinery in Pakistan |
| Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) | Karachi | 50,000 | Public Limited Company | Focus on refining light crude from domestic fields |
Conclusion
While Byco Petroleum Refinery holds the title of the largest by design capacity in Pakistan, the PARCO Mid-Country Refinery remains the most advanced and operationally significant refinery. PARCO’s strategic infrastructure, production quality, and integration with the national pipeline network make it a critical asset for Pakistan’s energy security. Stay updated with: Bloom Pakistan
Both refineries are expected to undergo further modernization to meet future fuel standards and reduce reliance on imported refined products.
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