# Petrochemicals — Oil Beyond Fuel

**URL:** https://thecodex.expert/energy/petrochemicals/
**Session:** 22 | **Date:** 2026-05-04

## Summary

Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas used to make plastics, synthetic fibres, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals. Approximately 14% of oil (14M bbl/day) is for petrochemical feedstocks. Largest hub: Jubail Industrial City (27.01N 49.67E — world's largest, SABIC/Saudi Aramco). Texas Gulf Coast (29.73N 94.97W, ExxonMobil Baytown). Rotterdam (51.90N 4.30E). Reliance Jamnagar (22.47N 69.87E). Ammonia: Haber-Bosch process, 180 MT/yr, 80% becomes fertiliser — feeds half the world. Togliattiazot Russia (53.50N 49.30E — world's largest ammonia plant). India: IFFCO Phulpur (25.55N 81.87E), OPAL Dahej (21.74N 72.60E). Energy transition: petrochemicals will become dominant driver of oil demand growth by 2030 as transport fuel declines (IEA). Green chemistry: chemical recycling, bio-based feedstocks, green ammonia. Sources: IEA WEO 2024, ICIS Chemical Business, SABIC AR 2023.