PetroChina is set to close the final crude processing unit at its largest refinery in northern China, the Dalian Petrochemical Corp, by June 30, 2025. This marks the first complete shutdown of a state-operated refinery in the country. The facility, which primarily processes Russian ESPO blend crude oil, accounts for approximately 3% of China’s total refining capacity.
The closure is part of a broader plan to decommission the entire 410,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery and replace it with a smaller, modern facility on Changxing Island, near Dalian. PetroChina has not yet made a final investment decision on the new complex.
The Dalian refinery has been operational since late 2023 and has largely processed Russian ESPO blend crude. The shutdown aligns with China’s efforts to address overcapacity and environmental concerns in its refining sector.