Petroleum Refining & Chemicals

Fueling Growth: Texas' Leadership in Petroleum Refining & Chemicals

Texas has long been a leader in petroleum refining and chemical production, thanks to its abundant natural resources, strategic location, and robust supply chain.

About the Petroleum Refining and Chemicals Sector

The Petroleum Refining and Chemicals sector focuses on converting crude oil into petroleum products, including chemicals, fuel, and plastics. This sector plays a vital role in producing the chemicals, fuels, and plastics essential to industries worldwide. The state has identified three target clusters including: Industrial Chemical Products, Petroleum Refining, and Plastics.

Texas offers a strong competitive advantage due to its abundance of natural resources and raw materials, combined with a supportive regulatory environment. These clusters have rebounded post-pandemic and are positioned for long-term growth as global petroleum demand continues to rise.

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Fast Facts

Texas is a place for manufacturing innovation

Industrial Strengths

Texas boasts world-class petrochemical infrastructure, a well-connected transportation network, and a business-friendly environment. These strengths drive the state’s thriving industrial sectors, fostering innovation and investment in industries like energy, manufacturing, and advanced materials.

Cluster Growth

The Industrial Chemical Products cluster plays a pivotal role in supplying materials used across industries, from agriculture to aerospace. The cluster benefits from Texas’ petrochemical strengths and a robust transportation infrastructure. With ongoing investments in research and innovation, this cluster is set for growth, projected to expand its GDP by 25% from 2022 to 2032.

Man using a forklift to move pallets for transportation

Workforce Dynamics

Texas’ Petroleum Refining and Chemicals sector is supported by a highly skilled and concentrated workforce. Production occupations account for nearly half of all employment, with top roles including: Production Occupations (49%), Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (9%), and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations (8%).

Notable Employers

Explore the leading petroleum and chemical refining employers in Texas, known for their industry impact, innovation, and workforce opportunities.

Featured News & Stories

Industry-leading companies of all sizes are growing in Texas. Read how these companies decided to Go Big in Texas.

Business Growth & Expansion

$7.5M Granted to Austin Community College to Expand Semiconductor Technician Training Programs

Texas was already the leading state in the nation for semiconductor chip manufacturing when, in 2022, the federal government passed the CHIPS Act and focused attention on bolstering this key industry. Texas’ government followed suit with its own CHIPS Act,...

First-of-its-kind hydrogen ‘proto-hub’ backed by the DOE opens at University of Texas at Austin

While Texas might be best known for the fuel that’s under the ground, an exciting new hydrogen project at one Austin school explores the rich possibilities of several other natural resources the state has to offer. The Center for Electromechanics...

Hydrogen Hub on the Gulf Coast Set for Development of Clean Energy and Jobs

Scientists have long sought to effectively harness hydrogen as a clean power source. The earliest hydrogen fuel cell prototype, in fact, was developed in 1839, though American hydrogen research really took off after NASA used hydrogen fuel cells to power...