Introduction: The Evolution Of The Petroleum Industry
                     Introduction: The Evolution Of The 
Petroleum Industry
Neel Rao
Writes on 
Reitz India manufacturer of PA and SA fans & Reitz 
India industrial fan manufacturers in India.
The Indian petroleum industry initiated its journey at a slow pace in the north-
eastern part of the country, more specifically, Digboi in Assam. Over time, the 
industry has undergone several changes and has grown to a large extent. One of the 
major incidents which led to the development of the petroleum industry in India was 
the passing of the Industrial Policy Resolution in 1956. This change in policy greatly 
emphasized the need to promote the industries in India and helped them grow.
The industry underwent yet another significant change in 1991 when privatization 
and liberalization were adopted. The Indian government took up several joint 
ventures with private firms. In many cases, the government also allowed the 
industry to go into private hands. Naturally, this resulted in greater capital, thus 
boosting up the Indian petroleum industry considerably.
Once Bombay High, which is currently the largest source of petroleum in India was 
discovered, the Indian petroleum industry grew tremendously. Compared to the 
onshore oilfields which served as the main source until then, the offshore fields of 
Bombay High hold much larger oil reserves. Eventually, the production of petroleum, 
as well as petroleum products in India, increased, which was another major boost 
for the industry.
Lately, considerable growth has been witnessed in India’s foreign trade of petroleum 
products. Several products such as kerosene, naphtha, propane, petroleum gases, 
distilled crude oil, gas oil, etc. are exported for trade.
Some Statistics About The Indian Petroleum Industry
Let us take a look at some of the statistical data about the Indian petroleum industry 
and its growth.
• In the year 2019, India emerged as the second-largest refiner of petroleum in Asia, 
with China holding the first place.
• 14% of the Indian exports in 2019 consisted of petroleum products, making them 
account for the highest share.
• During the period from 2018-2019, there was a 5% decrease in India’s import of 
petroleum products. This is clear evidence of the growth of the industry and India’s 
increasing self-sufficiency for petroleum.
• However, the export of petroleum products too decreased by 8.8% at the same 
time.
• The same period, i.e., 2018-2019 also witnessed a growth of 3.13% in India’s 
production of petroleum products.
• The petroleum refinery capacity of India grew by about 90 million metric tonnes in 
2017 and 2018 under the private sector.
• The production of petroleum products in India was valued at a little below 260 
million metric tonnes in 2019. Around 213 million metric tonnes were consumed in 
the same year.
• Diesel accounted for the highest share (39.5%) in consumption from 2018 to 2019. 
This was followed by petrol with a consumption share of 13.3%, LPG with 11.7%, 
petroleum coke with 10.0%, Naphtha with 6.6%, and ATF with 3.9%.
Why Are Industrial Fans Necessary In The Petroleum Industry?
Production of petroleum products involves several complex processes such as 
refining, pressurization, pelletization, plastic/chemical production, etc. These require 
the use of heavy-duty industrial fans. Such fans are also necessary for thermal 
oxidizers, flare stacks, fired heaters, boilers, pollution control systems, and more. 
Therefore, it is evident that industrial fans would be necessary for the petroleum 
industry.
Conclusion
Currently, the Indian petroleum companies have great opportunities to grow and get 
more involved in the global markets. The constant improvement and innovation in 
technology are one of the prime factors driving the growth and globalization of the 
industry in India. This includes the introduction of more advanced machinery, 
including better industrial fans.
About REITZINDIA
Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty industries 
which can work at precise operating conditions like high temperatures and pressures. 
Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and Centrifugal blower design that can be used in 
all large scale process industries like cement, iron & steel, power plants, fertilizers/ 
chemicals and more.
Thank you for spending your precious time in reading this article!