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08 December, 2025
NRL Granted ‘Navratna’ Status
Sat 06 Dec, 2025
Context:
- The Ministry of Finance has recently granted ‘Navratna’ status to Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), making it the 27th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to receive this prestigious designation.
Key Points:
- Status: NRL has been granted the “Navratna” status, marking a significant upgrade for the PSU.
- Rank: It becomes India’s 27th Navratna CPSE.
- Benefits: With the Navratna status, NRL can now undertake investments and strategic decisions up to ₹1,000 crore without government approval, increasing its competitiveness.
- Performance: The status recognises NRL’s strong financial performance (₹25,147 crore turnover and ₹1,608 crore net profit in FY 2024–25).
- Ownership: Oil India Limited (OIL) holds the largest stake in NRL, while the Government of Assam is also a major stakeholder.
- Impact: This is a moment of pride for Northeast India and will boost industrial development in the region.
Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL):
- NRL is a major oil refining unit in India’s Northeast, contributing significantly to the energy sector and regional development.
- Location: Numaligarh, Golaghat district, Assam
- Establishment: Founded on 22 April 1993 under the provisions of the historic Assam Accord (1985), earning it the nickname “Assam Accord Refinery.”
- Inauguration: Dedicated to the nation on 9 July 1999 by the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Administration: A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
Capacity and Projects
- Current Capacity: 3 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA)
- Expansion: NRL is implementing a major Refinery Expansion Project (NREP) to increase capacity from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA.
Other Projects:
- The expansion includes construction of a crude oil pipeline from Paradip (Odisha) to Numaligarh, and a product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri.
- NRL has also established a bamboo-based 2G bioethanol plant, reflecting its commitment to green energy and sustainable development.
Shareholding:
- Major shareholders of NRL are:
- Oil India Limited (OIL): 69.63%
- Government of Assam: 26%
- Engineers India Limited (EIL): 4.37%
Key Benefits and Autonomy Under Navratna Status:
| Aspect | Impact |
| Investment Limit | The Board can approve a single investment up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of its net worth, without government approval. |
| Total Annual Investment Limit | The total investment limit increases to 30% of its net worth per year. |
| Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) | NRL’s Board can now quickly decide on forming JVs, establishing wholly owned subsidiaries, and undertaking domestic or international M&A activities. |
| Human Resource (HR) Flexibility | Greater flexibility in creating and restructuring key managerial positions. |
| Global Competitiveness | Faster decision-making will help NRL compete more effectively in international markets. |