Origin of India Petrochemical Industry

The origin ofIndia petroleum industry may be traced back to the mid 1800. DuringIndia's independence in 1947, the petroleum industry was owned and managed by foreign companies.

With the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1954, however, theIndian government placed the petroleum industry at the forefront as a core sector industry. This led to the formation of theIndia Petrochemical Industry.

The origin ofIndia Petrochemical Industry was about 70 years ago, with the first production of organic chemical compounds from propane. The term 'petrochemical' refers to the chemicals that are formed directly or indirectly from petroleum-based hydrocarbons and natural gases. Petrochemicals production is one the most vital industries in all developed countries and a growth-determining factor as well. The main purpose of theIndia Petrochemical Industry was to capture the growth in this industry in the future.

TheIndia petrochemical industry has regenerated the use of benzene as a petrochemical raw material. At present, around 6% of the total barrel of crude oil is used for the production of petrochemicals. The three major methods involved in the processing of petrochemicals are BTX (Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene) Synthesis Gas (Syn Gas), and Olefins. They act as basic components for different petrochemical arbitrates and consumer products. Around 80% of the total inventory for petrochemicals is developed from petroleum refinery liquids and gases. The second most important base material is the natural gas.

The main end-use products of the petrochemical industry inIndia are:

• Plastics and Resins
• Pharmaceuticals
• Automotive Chemicals including Antifreeze Agents
• Detergents, Solvents, Plasticizers, and Paint Varnishes
• Agricultural Chemicals such as Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides
• Synthetic Elastomers

Progress of petrochemicals industry inIndia:
In the time frame in between the two World Wars, the main raw material for the organic chemical industry was coal. But with the war over, there was a huge demand for aromatic compounds. This led to the setting up of huge automated plants. The war also introduced the synthetic era which were substitutes for inorganic materials like glass, metal, and natural substances like wood, fiber, gums, resins, waxes, rubber, and leather. There was a steep and sudden rise in the demand for fertilizers.

Last Updated on 13 December 2011