Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, inaugurated the Toluene production facility at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) during his visit to the refinery on Saturday. The facility, with an annual production capacity of 40 Thousand Metric Tons (TMT), showcases India’s advancements in achieving self-reliance in the petrochemical sector.
Toluene, an essential aromatic hydrocarbon, is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paints, and defense. India currently has an annual demand of approximately 650 TMT for Toluene, with domestic production standing at 160 TMT. MRPL’s contribution of 40 TMT per year will help reduce the import dependency and save an estimated USD 3 million in foreign exchange annually.
The launch is a significant step toward fulfilling the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by reducing reliance on imports, enhancing domestic capabilities, and supporting industrial growth. Minister Puri also held discussions with MRPL’s senior officials regarding the refinery’s strategic initiatives and its role in strengthening India’s energy security.
