Asia is likely to witness the highest crude distillation unit (CDU) capacity additions globally, representing about 40% of the total CDU capacity additions during 2026 to 2030. This growth is driven by several factors, including robust domestic demand and investments in both new projects and capacity upgrades to existing facilities. CDU capacity growth remains central to ensuring energy security and meeting the rising consumption of petroleum products across fast-growing economies in the region.
China will lead within Asia for CDU capacity additions, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total capacity additions by 2030. This significant growth is largely due to its substantial investments in refinery modernisation, aimed at enhancing its ability to meet both domestic demand and improve export capabilities. Key upcoming refineries in the country, including Caofeidian V, Gulei, and Lianyungang II, are instrumental in driving the CDU capacity additions by the end of the decade.
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
The Caofeidian V refinery is at the forefront of China’s CDU capacity additions, with 401,000 barrels per day (bpd) of CDU capacity likely to become operational in 2029. Hebei Xinhua Petrochemical is the sole owner and proposed operator of this coking-type, integrated refinery, which is currently awaiting approval.
CDU capacity additions in Asia from new build and expansion projects by key countries, 2026–2030 (mbbl/d)
India closely follows China in the CDU capacity additions, with nearly 2.2 million barrels per day (mbbl/d) of capacity expected to be operational by 2030. This strong CDU capacity growth is due to surging demand for refined products across transportation, petrochemical, and industrial sectors. Within the country, the CDU expansion project at the Vadinar refinery is a major upcoming project and is poised to add a CDU capacity of 515,000bpd in 2029. The project has received approval and is being planned with a total CapEx of $6bn.
Further details of global conventional refinery capacity and capex analysis can be found in GlobalData’s new report, ‘Global Conventional Refineries Industry: Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook with Details of All Operating and Upcoming Refineries, 2026-2030’
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData