**Smallest Oil Refineries in the World: 7 Micro Plants Revolutionizing Local Fuel Supply in Nigeria and Beyond** Oil refineries are complex facilities that convert crude oil into everyday fuels and products like petrol, diesel, kerosene, and lubricants. While the global energy sector is often dominated by massive refineries, several countries operate small-scale or "micro" refineries that play a crucial role in strengthening local energy security. These compact refineries are designed to serve remote areas, small economies, or isolated oil fields where transporting crude oil to larger refineries is expensive or impractical. In Nigeria, for instance, the Port Harcourt Refinery, operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), faces challenges in processing crude oil due to outdated infrastructure and security concerns. Micro refineries like those listed below can help bridge the energy gap in such regions. Here are seven of the smallest oil refineries in the world, showcasing their processing capacities and operators: 1. **ONGC Tatipaka Refinery, India** Capacity: Approximately 66-100 barrels per day (bpd) Operator: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation This tiny refinery in Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the smallest operational refineries globally. It processes limited quantities of crude oil and condensate from nearby fields, serving as a compact refining unit to handle local production. 2. **C & H Refinery, USA** Capacity: Micro-scale historic refinery This historic refinery in the United States is notable for its pioneering use of small-scale refining technology. It once processed crude oil from the Lance Creek field, demonstrating the feasibility of micro-refining. 3. **Douglas County / Superior Micro-Refinery, USA** Location: Wisconsin, USA Capacity: About 3,800-5,000 bpd This micro-refinery operates far below the scale of major industrial refineries but still contributes significantly to local fuel supply. 4. **Kazakhstan's Atyrau Refinery** Capacity: Approximately 1,500-3,000 bpd Operator: CPC Located in western Kazakhstan, this refinery processes crude oil from the nearby Caspian Sea region, serving as a vital link in the country's energy supply chain. 5. **Russia's Komi Republic Refinery** Capacity: Approximately 1,000-2,000 bpd Operator: Gazprom Neft This micro-refinery in northwestern Russia processes crude oil from the Komi Republic, ensuring a stable fuel supply for local communities. 6. **Canada's Redwater Refinery** Capacity: Approximately 5,000-7,000 bpd Operator: North West Refining Located in Alberta, Canada, this refinery processes crude oil from the nearby oil sands, supporting the local economy and energy security. 7. **Malaysia's MPOB Palm Oil Refinery** Capacity: Approximately 500-1,000 bpd Operator: Malaysian Palm Oil Board