Reliance-Backed US$ 300 Billion Oil Refinery Planned In Texas
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is backing a proposed US$ 300 billion oil refinery project in the United States that would mark the country’s first new refinery development in nearly 50 years. The facility is planned at the Port of Brownsville in Texas.
The announcement was made by Donald Trump, who described the project as a major step toward strengthening the country’s energy sector and boosting domestic production.
“America is returning to real energy dominance. Today I am proud to announce that America First Refining will open the first new US oil refinery in 50 years in Brownsville, Texas,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He described the investment as the biggest deal in US history, adding that it would create thousands of jobs and generate significant economic activity in South Texas.
Trump also thanked India-based Reliance for its participation in the project, highlighting the role of international partnerships in strengthening US energy infrastructure.
According to the US President, the refinery will help fuel domestic markets, enhance national energy security and expand exports, while being designed as one of the cleanest refineries in the world.
The project comes amid the administration’s broader energy dominance policy, which focuses on expanding production of oil, natural gas and coal to reduce reliance on external supplies.
The announcement also coincides with rising concerns over global energy security following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation intensified after Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US–Israel strikes on February 28, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israeli and US-linked targets across Gulf countries. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route that carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, adding volatility to global energy markets.
Addressing concerns about rising fuel prices, Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the White House, said the price surge would be temporary and could ease once security operations stabilise the situation. She added that the administration expects oil and gas prices to decline over time as supply conditions improve.
The Brownsville refinery, once operational, is expected to strengthen US energy production capacity, support exports and create thousands of jobs, while contributing billions of dollars to the regional economy.
