Key Points
- Cabinet approves Sanjay Khanna as BPCL Chairman and Managing Director
- Khanna will serve until his retirement on 31 May 2029
- He led BPCL’s first petrochemical project at Kochi Refinery during pandemic
Sanjay Khanna, currently Director of Refineries at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director of India’s second-largest government-owned oil refiner. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment on Thursday.
Khanna will take charge from the date he assumes office and will lead BPCL until his retirement on 31 May 2029, the company said in a statement. The appointment follows a recommendation by the Search-cum-Selection Committee under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
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BPCL, a Fortune Global 500 company with Maharatna status, operates refineries in Mumbai, Kochi and Bina. The company plays a central role in India’s fuel supply chain, running over 21,000 retail outlets across the country.
Three Decades in Refinery Operations
Khanna brings more than 30 years of experience in refinery operations and technical services to the role. He holds a chemical engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate qualification in finance management from the University of Mumbai.
Before his current role as Director of Refineries, Khanna headed both the Mumbai and Kochi Refineries. At Kochi, he led the commissioning of BPCL’s first niche petrochemical venture, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project. Petrochemical projects convert refinery output into raw materials used in plastics, textiles and other manufactured goods, adding value beyond fuel production.
The Kochi project was completed during the pandemic despite significant operational challenges, marking a key milestone in BPCL’s push to diversify beyond traditional fuel refining.
Board Positions and Policy Role
Khanna currently serves on the boards of three companies linked to BPCL’s broader operations: Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. These positions span upstream exploration, liquefied natural gas import and a planned mega-refinery project on India’s western coast.
He also chairs the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, advising on policy and technical matters affecting India’s refining sector.
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Strategic Priorities Ahead
Khanna is expected to strengthen the company’s focus on petrochemical integration, operational efficiency and long-term energy security. The company, like other state-owned refiners, faces the challenge of maintaining profitability from traditional fuels while expanding into cleaner energy and value-added products.
The appointment comes as India’s public sector oil companies navigate shifting demand patterns and government pressure to reduce import dependence.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the new Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL?
Sanjay Khanna, currently Director of Refineries at BPCL, has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on 9 April 2026.
How long will Sanjay Khanna serve as BPCL CMD?
Khanna will serve as BPCL Chairman and Managing Director until his retirement on 31 May 2029, unless further orders are issued.
What is Sanjay Khanna’s professional background?
Khanna has over 30 years of experience in refinery operations. He holds a chemical engineering degree from NIT Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate finance qualification from the University of Mumbai. He previously headed BPCL’s Mumbai and Kochi Refineries.
What major project did Sanjay Khanna lead at BPCL?
Khanna led the commissioning of BPCL’s first petrochemical venture, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project at Kochi Refinery. The project was completed during the pandemic despite operational challenges.