The completion of the integrated refinery expansion project by Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s Kochi refinery will see the refinery’s capacity to produce propylene go up to 5,00,000 tonnes a year. Propylene is a feedstock for petrochemicals industry and the entry of BPCL into the sector will reduce India’s import dependence for a wide range of products.
The petrochemicals park planned by the State government will see the small and medium units being planned in the park produce a variety of products such as paints, printing inks, automotive parts, diapers and cosmetics.
The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, earlier entrusted with the task of developing the park, had proposed to acquire 400 acres in the villages of Puthenkurisu, Thiruvaniyoor and Kunnathunad. The plan was later dropped because of the cost factor.
The move to set up a plug-and-play park had raised interest among investors. Companies such as Mitsubishi Corporation and Manali Petrochemicals were reported to have shown interest in the park.
