State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sanjay Khanna as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company.
Khanna is currently serving as Director (Refineries) and was also holding the position of Interim CMD prior to this appointment.
Tenure and Role
Sanjay Khanna will serve as CMD until May 31, 2029, which is his date of superannuation, or until further orders. His appointment comes at a crucial time when BPCL is focusing on expansion, petrochemical integration, and long-term energy security.
Educational Background
Khanna holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and has also completed a postgraduate qualification in Finance Management from University of Mumbai. This combination of technical and financial expertise has supported his long career in the oil and gas sector.
Extensive Industry Experience
With over three decades of experience, Khanna has deep expertise in:
- Refinery operations
- Technical services
- Project execution
He has previously headed two of BPCL’s key refineries:
- Mumbai Refinery
- Kochi Refinery
During his tenure as Executive Director of the Kochi Refinery, he played a crucial role in commissioning the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP), which marked BPCL’s entry into niche petrochemicals.
Key Contributions
Throughout his career, Khanna has been associated with several important projects involving:
- Setting up new process units
- Enhancing operational efficiency
- Improving value realisation
- Driving technological upgrades
These contributions have significantly strengthened BPCL’s refining capabilities.
Future Plans and Strategic Vision
Under his leadership, BPCL has outlined an ambitious capital expenditure plan of ₹75,000 crore over the next five years. A major part of this investment includes:
- ₹50,000 crore for the Bina Petrochemical and Refinery Expansion Project (BPREP) in Madhya Pradesh
This reflects the company’s focus on expanding its petrochemical footprint and improving profitability.
Board-Level Roles
Sanjay Khanna also serves on the boards of:
- Bharat Petro Resources Limited
- Petronet LNG Limited
- Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
These roles strengthen BPCL’s integration across the energy value chain.
Conclusion
Sanjay Khanna’s appointment as CMD marks an important leadership transition for BPCL. With his vast experience in refinery operations and project execution, he is expected to lead the company towards greater efficiency, expansion, and energy security, while strengthening its position in India’s evolving energy landscape.