Paraguan Refinery Complex

The Paraguaná Refinery Complex in Venezuela is the world's second-largest refinery complex, after Jamnagar Refinery in India, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of three refineries: Amuay, Bajo Grande, and Cardón, located in Falcón state (Amuay and Cardón) and Zulia state (Bajo Grande). The complex has a refining capacity of 955,000 barrels per day as of 2012, accounting for 71% of Venezuela's refining capacity. It is owned by the state-run company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).

The history of the complex dates back to 1945 when Creole Petroleum and Shell began building refineries near Punto Fijo. The Amuay refinery was established in 1947, followed by Bajo Grande in 1965 and Cardón in 1980. Over time, their refining capacities increased significantly. In 1997, a major investment included the construction of an industrial complex for hydrogen production.

The complex has faced numerous safety challenges since President Hugo Chávez assumed control of PDVSA. This included several accidents, such as an explosion at Amuay in 2005 and another in 2012 that killed 43 people, injured over 160, and damaged nearby homes. The 2012 incident led to political debate, with critics blaming poor maintenance and management, while PDVSA denied responsibility.

By 2022, the Venezuelan government had sought Iranian assistance for refinery repairs to boost production capacity. Despite these efforts, the complex remains a focal point of Venezuela's ongoing struggles with infrastructure and safety in its oil industry.