HPCL extends Barmer refinery bid dates

Hindustan Petroleum has given EPC contractors interested in three key petrochemical tenders linked to its proposed Barmer refinery project in Rajasthan a month's extension for offers.

HPCL has extended the deadline for EPCC-8 from March 31 to April 21 for an estimated $300m contract that includes two 416,000 t/y units producing low and high-density polyethylene - the most popular plastic in the world used in grocery bags, shampoo bottles, toys and even bulletproof vests. Expect interest from Tecnimont, TechnipFMC, Toyo and L&T.

For EPCC-3, HPCL has extended the deadline from March 26 to April 24 for a 2.9m t/y petro fluidised catalytic cracking unit, estimated to cost $400m, with technology from TechnipFMC. Expect interest from L&T, Tecnimont and Petrofac.

For EPCC-7, HPCL has extended the deadline from March 24 to April 24 for an 820,000 t/y dual feed cracker; a 77,000 t/y ethylene recovery unit; a 96,000 t/y benzene recovery unit; a 55,000 t/y pyrolysis gasoline hydrotreating unit; and a 55,000 t/y butadiene extraction unit. Bids for this estimated $850m package are likely from L&T and Petrofac.

Expect further extensions even if the national lockdown is lifted on April 14 because state authorities might continue to impose separate lockdowns.