Eyes on Ennore

Ennore in Tamilnadu is likely to emerge as the next refining and petrochemicals destination in India, reports ICIS news.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has identified Ennore for a new range of projects including an export-oriented refinery and/or petrochemicals complex and a liquiefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.

IOC’s subsidiary Chennai Petroleum Corp Ltd (CPCL) has already put forward a proposal for a refinery and a cracker at the site and Engineers India has completed a pre-feasibility study.

But there are plenty of questions related to this project and Ennore. Does India need yet another export-oriented refinery? Will CPCL’s petrochemicals project be cost competitive? Does India need yet another state-owned company entering the petrochemicals field?

The Tata Group’s titanium dioxide project in Tamil Nadu is already facing public resistance. Will IOC/CPCL have better luck and get land for their mega project?

Answers will be very welcome.