Refinery Catalyst Market to Grow with a CAGR of 4.28% through 2030

Rising Demand for Cleaner and High-Performance Fuels and Shift Toward Heavier and Unconventional Crude Oils expected to drive the Global Refinery Catalyst Market growth in the forecast period, 2026-2030

According to TechSci Research report, “Refinery Catalyst Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, the Global Refinery Catalyst Market stood at USD 8.20 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 4.28% in the forecast period.

The primary growth drivers in the refinery catalyst market is the tightening of global fuel quality and emissions regulations. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union, and authorities across Asia-Pacific, are enforcing ultra-low sulfur fuel mandates alongside stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, particulates, and other pollutants. To comply with these standards while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability, refiners are increasingly adopting advanced hydroprocessing, FCC, and reforming catalysts.

The rising demand for petrochemicals, particularly propylene, ethylene, and aromatics, is driving deeper integration between refining and petrochemical operations. Modern FCC and hydrocracking catalysts are now engineered to support dual objectives producing high-quality fuels while generating essential petrochemical feedstocks creating additional revenue streams and stimulating greater overall catalyst consumption.

The global energy transition presents a structural challenge for the sector. The accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and hydrogen-based fuels, coupled with government policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency, is expected to gradually limit demand for traditional petroleum fuels in certain markets. This shift may reduce the total volume of fuel refining activities over the long term, impacting the future demand trajectory for refinery catalysts. To remain competitive, refiners are increasingly required to invest in low-carbon and biofuel-compatible catalyst technologies, necessitating significant process adaptation and adding operational complexity.

Browse over XX market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Global Refinery Catalyst Market”

The Global Refinery Catalyst Market is segmented into product, application, regional distribution, and company.

Based on the category of Application, the FCC catalysts segment emerged as the dominating segment in the market for Refinery Catalyst in 2024. This is due to its high-value light products, including gasoline, diesel, and petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene and butylenes. FCC units are a core component of modern refineries, enabling them to maximize product yield, improve fuel quality, and maintain operational flexibility in response to fluctuating crude oil qualities and market demands.

The dominance of FCC catalysts is driven by their versatility and adaptability. They are engineered to handle a wide range of feed stocks from conventional crudes to heavier, higher-sulfur oils while maintaining high conversion efficiency and selectivity. This makes them indispensable for refiners seeking to optimize output amid a global shift toward processing more unconventional and challenging crude sources. Regulatory pressures for cleaner-burning fuels also boost demand for advanced FCC catalysts, which can effectively reduce sulfur, nitrogen oxides, and particulates in the final products. The adoption of rare earth–optimized and zeolite-based FCC catalysts enhances cracking activity, thermal stability, and coke selectivity, helping refiners meet stringent environmental standards without sacrificing yield.

The Asia Pacific region is poised to witness the fastest growth in the global refinery catalyst market due to a combination of expanding refining capacity, rising energy demand, and strategic investments in advanced refinery technologies. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations are driving significant increases in both transportation fuel consumption and petrochemical production, which directly fuels demand for high-performance catalysts. One key factor is the ongoing expansion and modernization of refinery infrastructure across the region. Governments and private players are investing heavily in upgrading existing refineries and constructing new integrated refinery-petrochemical complexes to meet growing domestic fuel requirements and to reduce dependency on imported refined products. This has resulted in heightened demand for advanced hydroprocessing, FCC, and reforming catalysts, which are essential for improving fuel quality, increasing yields, and complying with stringent environmental regulations.

Major companies operating in Global Refinery Catalyst Market are:

• Albemarle Corporation
• BASF SE
• Johnson Matthey Plc
• W. R. Grace & Co.
• Clariant
• Arkema
• Chevron Corporation
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Evonik Industries AG
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Download Free Sample Report

Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report.

“The global refinery catalyst market is positioned for steady and sustained growth, driven by increasing demand for cleaner fuels, the shift toward heavier and unconventional crude processing, and the integration of refining and petrochemical operations. Technological innovations, including advanced hydroprocessing, FCC, and multifunctional catalysts, are enabling refiners to enhance operational efficiency, optimize product yields, and meet stringent environmental regulations. While challenges such as fluctuating crude prices and the global energy transition persist, ongoing investments in sustainable, high-performance catalytic solutions and the rapid expansion of refining capacity particularly in regions like Asia Pacific underscore the market’s resilience and long-term growth potential. The sector is set to remain a critical enabler of efficient, compliant, and value-driven refining operations worldwide.,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Refinery Catalyst Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Product (Zeolite, Metallic, Chemical compounds, Other), By Application (FCC Catalysts, Alkylation Catalysts, Hydrotreating Catalysts, Hydrocracking Catalysts, Catalytic reforming, Other), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Refinery Catalyst Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Refinery Catalyst Market.

Contact

TechSci Research LLC

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300,

New York, United States- 10170

Tel: +1-332-258-6602

Email: [email protected]