Sat Jan 11 16:28:28 UTC 2025: ## Minister Launches New Toluene Production at Mangalore Refinery, Boosting India’s Self-Reliance

**Mangalore, Karnataka, January 12, 2025** – Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated a new toluene production unit at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) on Saturday. The facility boasts an annual production capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes, a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on toluene imports.

Currently, India’s annual demand for toluene, a key ingredient in various industries including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paints, and defense, is approximately 650,000 metric tonnes, while domestic production stands at around 160,000 metric tonnes. The MRPL’s new unit will help bridge this gap, leading to an estimated annual foreign exchange savings of $3 million.

Minister Puri met with MRPL senior officials following the launch. The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision, promoting domestic production and bolstering economic growth. The increased domestic production of toluene is expected to contribute significantly to India’s progress in the petrochemical sector and enhance its global competitiveness.

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