In a significant boost to Punjab's industrial landscape, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) has unveiled plans for a major fresh investment at its flagship Guru Gobind Singh Refinery in Bathinda. The company will inject a substantial Rs 2,600 crore to establish polypropylene downstream industries and launch new fine chemical projects.
Major Investment Announced by HMEL Leadership
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Prabh Das, MD & CEO of HMEL, during an event where Punjab's Industry Minister, Sanjeev Arora, was also present. Das highlighted that Punjab has firmly established itself as a crucial hub for polypropylene manufacturing within India. The Bathinda refinery alone fulfills approximately 14% of the country's total polypropylene demand.
"Apart from our core production of fuels like petrol, diesel, and gas, we are now strategically expanding our footprint into higher-value industrial activities through these fine chemical projects in Bathinda," stated Prabh Das. This move signifies a diversification beyond traditional fuel refining.
Economic Impact and State Government's Vision
Providing context on the refinery's scale, Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that the facility, which commenced operations in 2011 and spans about 2,000 acres, is an economic powerhouse for the state. It generates an impressive annual business turnover of around Rs 90,000 crore and contributes nearly Rs 2,100 crore each year to the state exchequer in tax revenue.
Arora emphasized that the new Rs 2,600 crore investment is expected to create substantial new employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab. He also pointed out the refinery's national importance, noting it accounts for about 5–6% of India's total petrol and diesel production.
Future Plans: From Fuel Pumps to Plastic Parks
Looking ahead, the company has broader ambitions for retail expansion. Das revealed that HMEL is planning to set up its own network of petrol pumps across Punjab. These future outlets are envisioned as multi-fuel stations, offering not just petrol and diesel, but also CNG and electric vehicle charging facilities, catering to the evolving energy landscape.
Aligning with HMEL's focus on polypropylene, the Punjab government is actively considering the development of a dedicated plastic industrial park near Ludhiana. This initiative aims to strengthen the state's existing plastic manufacturing ecosystem by providing a centralized hub for downstream industries that use polypropylene as a raw material.
This combined push from a major corporate player and the state government underscores a concerted effort to position Punjab as a leading destination for advanced manufacturing and chemical industries, driving economic growth and job creation.
