Inauguration of Rajasthan refinery by PM Modi put off after fire incident, confirms Petroleum Ministry

The inauguration of the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Rajasthan’s Balotra district by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been postponed following a fire incident at its Crude Distillation Unit, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Monday.

“Due to an unfortunate fire incident today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit at the HRRL refinery, the scheduled dedication of the refinery by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 21.04.2026 has been postponed,” Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a statement shared on X.

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According to the Ministry, the fire has been brought under control and there were no reports of any casualties.

“An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident and to undertake necessary remedial measures. A revised date for the dedication will be announced in due course,” the ministry added.

Earlier today, the fire broke out at the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, prompting swift firefighting operation.

The blaze erupted hours before a scheduled visit by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to take stock of the arrangements before its inauguration by PM Modi.

Visuals shared by ANI showed smoke billowing into the sky as fire tenders were trying to extinguish the flames.

The prime minister was scheduled to inaugurate the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex on Tuesday. As per the government, the project has an investment of more than Rs 79,450 crore.