In 2024, the world's oil refinery capacity reached million barrels per day. Overall, global refinery capacity has ** in the past fifty years and experienced the largest growth during the 1970s.Â
Production, demand, and refineries
Since the turn of the millennium, global refinery capacity has grown at a more consistent rate than oil production. More recently, lower refining margins and insecurity over the longevity of future projects have led to the closure of multiple small and medium-sized refinery complexes, particularly in the United States and Europe. The Nigeria-based Dangote Refinery is the largest addition to refining capacities in recent years, having become operational in 2023. Â
Consumption expanding in Asia
While historically Europe, Eurasia, and North America have been the largest consumers of petroleum, regional distribution is shifting toward the Asia-Pacific region. Today, China is the second-largest consumer of oil in the world, with three further Asia-Pacific countries among the top ten largest consumers.
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Energy Institute. (June 26, 2025). Refinery capacity for crude oil worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 barrels per day) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/
Energy Institute. "Refinery capacity for crude oil worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 barrels per day)." Chart. June 26, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 24, 2026. /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/
Energy Institute. (2025). Refinery capacity for crude oil worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 barrels per day). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 24, 2026. /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/
Energy Institute. "Refinery Capacity for Crude Oil Worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 Barrels per Day)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 26 Jun 2025, /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/
Energy Institute, Refinery capacity for crude oil worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 barrels per day) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/ (last visited July 24, 2026)
Refinery capacity for crude oil worldwide from 1970 to 2024 (in 1,000 barrels per day) [Graph], Energy Institute, June 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/264333/global-refinery-capacity-for-crude-oil/