Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Appoints Sanjay Khanna as Chairman & Managing Director

Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Khanna brings 30+ years of refinery expertise to lead BPCL’s next growth phase through May 2029.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has appointed Sanjay Khanna as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Khanna, who previously served as Director (Refineries) and interim CMD, will lead the company until May 31, 2029, bringing over three decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services.

Leadership Transition and Tenure

The appointment formalises Khanna’s elevation to the top leadership role after serving in an interim capacity. His transition ensures continuity in leadership at a time when BPCL is advancing key investment and expansion initiatives. As CMD, he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic direction, operational performance, and long-term growth plans.

Khanna’s tenure, set to run through May 2029, positions him to guide BPCL through a critical phase of capacity expansion and integration of petrochemical operations. His prior role as Director (Refineries) involved managing core refining functions, making his appointment aligned with the company’s current operational priorities.

Role and Strategic Responsibilities

In his new position, Khanna will lead BPCL’s efforts to strengthen refining efficiency, expand capacity, and enhance value-added product output. The company has outlined a capital expenditure plan of approximately ₹75,000 crore over the next five years, focusing on scaling operations and improving competitiveness in the energy sector.

Key priorities under his leadership include integrating petrochemical operations with existing refining infrastructure and optimising production processes. He will also oversee execution of large-scale projects aimed at expanding BPCL’s footprint in both traditional and emerging segments of the energy industry.

Major Projects and Investment Plans

Among the company’s flagship initiatives is the Bina Petrochemical and Refinery Expansion Project (BPREP) in Madhya Pradesh, valued at around ₹50,000 crore. The project is central to BPCL’s strategy to increase refining capacity and enter higher-value petrochemical segments.

The broader investment roadmap includes enhancing operational efficiency, improving product mix, and strengthening downstream capabilities. These initiatives are expected to support BPCL’s long-term growth objectives while aligning with evolving market dynamics.

Professional Background and Experience

Khanna brings over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, with a strong focus on refinery operations and technical services. He has led key facilities including BPCL’s Mumbai and Kochi refineries, where he contributed to operational improvements and modernisation efforts.

His career includes extensive work in process optimisation and technical services, along with leadership roles in large-scale industrial operations. One of his notable contributions has been leading the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP), which marked BPCL’s entry into niche petrochemical segments.

He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and a postgraduate qualification in Finance from the University of Mumbai, combining technical expertise with financial and managerial capabilities.

Company Context and Current Status

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is one of India’s leading oil and gas companies, with operations spanning refining, marketing, and distribution. The company is currently focused on expanding its refining capacity and strengthening its presence in petrochemicals as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Khanna has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director and is overseeing the company’s strategic initiatives, including capital investments, operational efficiency improvements, and project execution. His appointment reflects BPCL’s focus on experienced leadership to drive its next phase of growth and transformation.