Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced a significant capacity augmentation of its Cochin Coimbatore Karur Pipeline (CCKPL) and the Irugur Devangonthi Pipeline (IDPL), along with the establishment of a new oil storage terminal at Palakkad, Kerala. The Board of Directors approved these projects during a meeting held on September 12, 2024.
The CCKPL pipeline, which currently has a capacity of 3.3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), will see an increase of 3.7 MMTPA. The IDPL pipeline, still under construction, will expand its capacity by 1.1 MMTPA, adding to the existing 2.4 MMTPA. This expansion is set to be completed within 36 months from obtaining statutory approvals or securing the necessary land.
BPCL’s decision to augment these pipelines stems from the need to facilitate the efficient evacuation of finished petroleum products from its Kochi Refinery. The total investment for this capacity addition and the new oil storage terminal at Palakkad is estimated at Rs. 1138 crore, which will be funded internally by BPCL.
“The expansion of our pipeline capacities and the establishment of the new terminal at Palakkad is a strategic move to enhance our operational efficiency and meet the growing demand for petroleum products,” stated V. Kala, Company Secretary of BPCL.
The company’s existing CCKPL pipeline is currently operating at 125% capacity, underscoring the urgent need for this expansion. The IDPL pipeline, once completed, will significantly bolster BPCL’s infrastructure, ensuring a smoother and more efficient distribution network across key regions.
