Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launches MRPL's product, Toluene

Mangaluru: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday launched Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)'s product, Toluene, during his visit to the refinery. Puri also engaged in discussions with MRPL's senior officials.

With an annual production capacity of 40 TMT, MRPL’s Toluene facility exemplifies India’s progress toward self-reliance and global competitiveness in the petrochemical sector.

Toluene, a versatile aromatic hydrocarbon, plays a vital role in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paints, and defense. India’s annual demand for Toluene stands at about 650 TMT, but domestic production currently is about 160 TMT. MRPL’s addition of 40 TMT per year will help bridge this gap, contributing to significant foreign exchange savings of approximately 3 million dollar annually.

The initiative represents a major stride in reducing India’s dependency on imports while bolstering industrial and economic growth, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, said the Minister.

Energy week

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that Mangaluru can host an energy security summit as the Karnataka coast has been a hub of energy production.

Responding to a question by author Harsha Bhat at the Mangaluru Lit Fest, he encouraged MP Capt Brijesh Chowta to take the lead, promising all support from the Ministry.

He said, “We can easily do it. Members of Parliament have already met with all the oil marketing companies. If you want to organise an energy security event here, go ahead and talk to them. I will support it.”