Refinery Catalyst Market Report 2026

The refinery catalyst market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.33 billion in 2025 to $6.72 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in global petroleum refining capacity, rising fuel consumption, expansion of petrochemical production, availability of zeolite catalyst technologies, demand for high octane fuels.

The refinery catalyst market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.34 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to stricter fuel emission regulations, rising demand for cleaner fuels, modernization of refineries, growth of specialty chemical production, advancements in catalyst formulation technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high efficiency fcc catalysts, rising use of hydro treating catalysts for cleaner fuels, growing adoption of zeolite based catalysts, expansion of catalyst regeneration and recycling, increasing focus on catalyst performance optimization.

The increasing demand for transportation fuel is expected to drive the growth of the refinery catalysts market going forward. Transportation fuels are energy sources used to power motor vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. Refinery catalysts play a key role in petroleum refineries by converting crude oil into commercial products such as transportation fuels, engine fuels, and heating fuels. They accelerate chemical reactions that reduce heavy metals and harmful organic compounds, resulting in cleaner end products suitable for use as transportation fuel. For instance, in August 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), a US-based government agency, about 30% of all energy consumed in the United States in 2023 was used for transportation activities, including the movement of people and goods. Therefore, the rising demand for transportation fuel is boosting the growth of the refinery catalysts market.

The launch of hydro processing catalyst solutions is a key trend gaining popularity in the refinery catalyst market. Hydro processing catalysts are used to remove impurities and improve the quality of various petroleum products, such as diesel fuel and jet fuel. These catalysts promote chemical reactions in the presence of hydrogen gas (H2) to remove sulfur, nitrogen and other contaminants, as well as to saturate unsaturated hydrocarbons. For example, in July 2023, Advanced Refining Technologies LLC, a US-based company that develops and markets hydro processing catalysts for the petroleum refining industry, launched ENDEAVOR, a hydro processing catalyst solution to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel from 100% renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, refined oils, animal fats and greases. The ENDEAVOR catalyst system consists of EnRich guard and hydrotreating catalysts and includes Chevron's industry leading EnHance isomerization catalysts, all developed specifically for processing renewable feeds and are crucial to produce high-quality renewable fuels.

In September 2024, Ravindra Heraeus Pvt. Ltd., an India-based mining & metals company, acquired Arora Matthey’s catalyst and recycling site for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to enhance its capabilities in catalyst manufacturing and recycling. The company aims to strengthen its position in the metals market and expand its product offerings through this strategic move. Arora-Matthey Limited is an India-based company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying high-quality catalytic converters.

Major companies operating in the refinery catalyst market are Exxon Mobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), BASF SE, Honeywell International, Chevron Corporation, W. R. Grace & Co, Albemarle Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Sinopec Catalyst Company, Tokuyama Corporation, Nippon Ketjen, S-Oil Catalyst, Dorf Ketal, Haldor Topsoe, Johnson Matthey, Axens, Zeochem AG, Evonik Industries AG, Umicore, NIS a.d. Novi Sad, OMV Group, Grupa LOTOS S.A, Rosneft, Unipetrol Group, CRI Catalyst Company, Unicat Catalyst Technologies, Grace Catalysts Technologies, INNOSPEC Limited, Mottcorp.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the refinery catalyst market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the refinery catalyst market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the refinery catalyst market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The refinery catalyst market consists of sales of renewable catalysts, naphtha catalysts, residue upgrade catalysts and FCC pretreats catalysts. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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