India’s Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) will begin a planned maintenance turnaround at its petrochemical complex in West Bengal on April 16. A company spokesperson confirmed the schedule on Tuesday.
The maintenance shutdown will last 45 days. HPL plans to resume operations by May 30, according to another company official.
Haldia Petrochemicals Maintenance to Affect Ethylene and Polymer Output
The shutdown will temporarily halt operations at HPL’s facility in Haldia. This complex plays a crucial role in India’s petrochemical supply chain.
It includes:
- A 700,000 metric tons-per-year (tpy) ethylene plant
- 491,000 tpy of chemical processing capacity
- 1 million tpy of polymer processing capacity
This planned maintenance aims to boost safety, improve efficiency, and extend equipment life.
India Petrochemical Shutdown in April 2025 Managed Through Inventory Planning
To reduce market impact, HPL prepared inventory buffers ahead of time. As a result, no major supply disruptions are expected.
Many petrochemical plants in Asia schedule turnarounds before seasonal demand picks up. Therefore, HPL’s timing aligns with industry practices.
West Bengal’s Haldia Petrochemicals Complex Remains a Strategic Asset
HPL’s complex in Haldia supports industries like automotive, packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods. Because of its scale and location, the West Bengal petrochemical complex plays a vital role in eastern India’s economy.
Furthermore, the facility’s integration allows for efficient operations and strong downstream connectivity.
HPL Turnaround Schedule Reflects Preventive Maintenance Strategy
HPL follows a consistent maintenance schedule to ensure reliability. The turnaround strategy also helps the company meet long-term production goals.
Since market conditions remain stable, the company expects minimal commercial impact.
Ethylene Plant Shutdown in India Follows Global Industry Patterns
Many companies globally shut down ethylene units for scheduled repairs. Likewise, HPL’s ethylene plant shutdown in India matches this pattern.
Ethylene is a key input for plastics and chemicals. Although output will drop temporarily, pre-maintained stockpiles should offset the effect.
Ownership and Strategic Direction
The Chatterjee Group, a U.S.-based private equity firm, owns a majority stake in HPL. The group continues to back the company’s growth, expansion, and modernization efforts. Thanks to this support, HPL remains competitive in both domestic and global markets.