Amid speculation that work on the stalled Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (RRPCL) project, touted as the world’s largest single location refinery complex, is set to be resumed at a different location, an anti–oil refinery rally has been organised at Rajapur tehsil in Maharashtra’s coastal Ratnagiri district on Wedensday.
Following locals’ opposition to the refinery at the original location in Ratnagiri’s Nanar village, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had announced that the State government will not push for the project. Prior to becoming CM, Mr. Thackeray in his capacity as Shiv Sena party president had extended support to the people protesting against the refinery. But recent developments and statements from Sena leaders, including Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, have indicated change in the party’s stand and resumed the talk of setting it up at a different location called Barsu–Solgaon in Ratnagiri.
The RRPCL is a joint venture by Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. Aramco and Adnoc hold 50% stake as per the agreement singed in 2018.
