HPCL commissions Residue Upgradation Facility with world's first LC-Max unit at Visakh Refinery
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited commissioned a 3.55 MMTPA Residue Upgradation Facility at its Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh on 5 January 2026, featuring India's first resid hydrocracking unit and the world's first LC-Max unit.
Summary
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced on 5 January 2026 the commissioning of the Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at its Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh, part of the Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP). The 3.55 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) facility is India's first resid hydrocracking unit and the world's first LC-Max unit, converting about 93% of bottom-of-the-barrel oils into high-value products, and houses three LC-Max reactors of about 2,200 tonnes each. Engineers India Ltd was project management consultant and L&T the EPC contractor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the facility on 6 January as a leap towards energy security.
Key facts
- Company
- HPCL — Visakh Refinery, Andhra Pradesh
- Commissioned
- Announced 5 January 2026
- Capacity
- 3.55 MMTPA
- Technology
- LC-Max residue hydrocracking — world's first LC-Max unit; India's first resid hydrocracker
- Conversion
- About 93% of bottom oils into high-value products
- Project
- Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project; PMC EIL; EPC L&T
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Residue Upgradation Facility commissioned by HPCL at its Visakh Refinery in January 2026 uses which technology, described as the world's first unit of its kind?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — LC-Max residue hydrocracking
HPCL, Economic Times and Business Standard: the RUF employs LC-Max based residue hydrocracking and is the world's first LC-Max unit.
What is the capacity of the Residue Upgradation Facility commissioned at HPCL's Visakh Refinery in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 3.55 MMTPA
HPCL and Business Standard: the RUF has a capacity of 3.55 million tonnes per annum.