|
Forecast Period
|
2026-2030
|
|
Market Size (2024)
|
USD 454.2 Billion
|
|
Market Size (2030)
|
USD 649.35 Billion
|
|
CAGR (2025-2030)
|
5.98%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
High Sulfur Content
|
|
Largest Market
|
North America
|
Market Overview
The Vacuum Gas Oil Market was
valued at USD 454.2 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 649.35 Billion
by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.98%. The Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market refers to the
global trade, production, and application of vacuum gas oil, a crucial
intermediate feedstock derived during the vacuum distillation of crude oil in
refineries. VGO is primarily categorized into two types—light vacuum gas oil
(LVGO) and heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO)—each distinguished by its viscosity and
boiling point range. It serves as a key raw material in the production of
higher-value refined products such as gasoline, diesel, and other fuels through
catalytic cracking and hydrocracking processes. The VGO market operates as an
integral part of the downstream oil & gas sector and plays a pivotal role
in optimizing refinery economics by enhancing product yield and quality.
The demand for VGO is closely
linked to the consumption patterns of transportation fuels and industrial
feedstocks, making it sensitive to fluctuations in global energy demand, fuel
regulations, and refinery throughput levels. Additionally, advancements in
refining technologies and increasing emphasis on ultra-low sulfur fuel
production have amplified the strategic importance of VGO in modern refining
operations. Regional dynamics, such as North America's extensive refining
infrastructure, Asia-Pacific’s rising fuel consumption, and Europe’s shift
toward cleaner energy sources, significantly influence market trends and trade
flows. Market participants include oil refiners, petrochemical companies, and
commodity traders who engage in long-term contracts and spot trading of VGO,
influenced by crude oil prices, refining margins, and geopolitical factors.
Key Market Drivers
Rising Global
Demand for Transportation Fuels
One of the
primary drivers for the vacuum gas oil (VGO) market is the escalating global
demand for transportation fuels such as diesel and gasoline, especially in
emerging economies. VGO serves as a crucial feedstock for fluid catalytic
cracking (FCC) units and hydrocrackers in refineries, processes that break down
the heavy oil fractions into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline,
diesel, and jet fuel. As global urbanization accelerates and economic
development propels vehicle ownership in countries such as India, China,
Brazil, and Southeast Asian nations, the need for refined petroleum products
continues to surge. While developed regions like North America and Europe
exhibit moderate growth due to fuel efficiency regulations and the rise of electric
vehicles, the sheer volume of fuel consumption in populous and industrializing
regions ensures a persistent demand for VGO as refiners optimize output to meet
this need. Furthermore, international shipping and air travel have rebounded
post-pandemic, reinvigorating jet fuel consumption.
VGO’s role in
producing these fuels makes it indispensable to the refining value chain, and
refiners globally are expanding capacity or upgrading units to process heavier
crudes and VGO more efficiently. In parallel, as many refineries transition
from simple to more complex configurations, the capacity to convert VGO into
lighter, cleaner-burning products is becoming a strategic priority. With the
global vehicle fleet expected to grow significantly through the next decade,
particularly in markets with lower EV adoption rates, VGO's relevance will
remain high, supporting its demand across regions. Additionally, fluctuating
crude oil qualities and the tightening supply of light sweet crudes push
refiners toward heavier crudes and their derivatives like VGO, reinforcing the
feedstock’s importance in maximizing margins through refined product yield
flexibility. Transportation accounts for nearly 60% of global oil consumption, with demand continuing to rise, especially in developing economies. Global consumption of transportation fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel) has increased by about 15% over the past decade, driven by growing vehicle ownership and air travel. The number of vehicles on the road worldwide has surpassed 1.5 billion, with projections to reach over 2 billion by 2040, significantly increasing fuel demand. Aviation fuel demand has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with global jet fuel consumption increasing by more than 25% between 2021 and 2024.
Increasing
Complexity and Upgradation of Refineries:
The global
refining sector is undergoing a notable transformation, characterized by
increased complexity and modernization to handle heavier feedstocks like vacuum
gas oil (VGO) and meet stringent product quality standards. As environmental
regulations become more stringent—especially regarding sulfur content in
fuels—refiners are investing heavily in secondary processing units such as
hydrocrackers and FCCs that utilize VGO as a feedstock to produce
ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) and high-octane gasoline. These investments are
particularly evident in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, where several
refineries are undergoing capacity additions and technological upgrades. For
instance, India and China are expanding their refining footprints to cater to
growing domestic demand while meeting export opportunities.
These refineries
are being designed or upgraded to be more flexible in processing a wider range
of crudes and intermediates, including heavier oils like VGO. Additionally, the
need to improve refinery margins in an increasingly competitive landscape is prompting
the adoption of more advanced refining technologies that can convert VGO into
high-value products more efficiently. The hydrocracking process, which adds
hydrogen to VGO under high pressure and temperature, enables refiners to
produce cleaner fuels, which are in greater demand due to environmental
concerns. Moreover, refinery integration with petrochemical complexes—where VGO
is also cracked to produce olefins and aromatics—further enhances the utility
of VGO. This integration is especially prominent in the Middle East and
Asia-Pacific, aligning with long-term strategic shifts toward high-value
chemical production. Therefore, as refineries continue to evolve with advanced
configurations and deeper conversion capabilities, the utilization of VGO as a
vital intermediate feedstock is poised to expand significantly, driving market
growth globally.
Expanding
Petrochemical Industry and Feedstock Diversification:
The rapid growth
of the global petrochemical industry serves as a significant driver for the
vacuum gas oil (VGO) market, as refiners increasingly divert VGO toward steam
crackers and other conversion units to produce high-value petrochemical
feedstocks such as ethylene, propylene, and aromatics. Driven by rising demand
for plastics, synthetic rubbers, and other petrochemical derivatives in
packaging, construction, automotive, and electronics industries, especially in
Asia-Pacific, the need for reliable and cost-effective feedstocks has
intensified. VGO, with its rich hydrocarbon content, serves as an ideal feed
for producing light olefins and aromatics when processed through catalytic and
hydrocracking methods.
As naphtha
prices remain volatile and traditional petrochemical feedstocks face supply
constraints, integrated refineries and petrochemical complexes are increasingly
leveraging VGO to balance costs and maximize output. Countries like China and
Saudi Arabia are aggressively pursuing refinery-petrochemical integration
projects, wherein VGO is not only used for transportation fuels but also for
producing a spectrum of petrochemicals, providing operational flexibility and
improved margins. This trend is further amplified by the shift toward heavier
feedstocks due to the global crude slate’s gradual change and the desire to
enhance value capture from each barrel of oil.
Innovations in
catalyst technologies and process optimization allow refiners to customize the
cracking of VGO to yield specific chemical building blocks based on market
demand, making it a strategic feedstock. The growing emphasis on circular
economies and chemical recycling is also creating pathways for VGO to play a
role in closed-loop production systems where heavier oils are repurposed for
petrochemical use. Thus, with petrochemicals poised to be the fastest-growing
segment of global oil demand over the coming decades, the integration of VGO
into this value chain cements its importance and drives its market forward.

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Key Market Challenges
Volatility in Crude Oil
Prices and Its Ripple Effect on VGO Market Stability
One of the most critical
challenges faced by the Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market is the high volatility in
global crude oil prices, which directly influences the supply-demand dynamics
and pricing of VGO. Since VGO is a derivative of crude oil obtained through
vacuum distillation, its production cost and market value are intrinsically
tied to fluctuations in the crude oil market. Any significant shifts—whether
due to geopolitical tensions in oil-rich regions, decisions by OPEC regarding
output cuts, or macroeconomic disruptions such as recessions or pandemics—can
severely impact the operational stability and profitability of VGO producers.
This volatility hampers long-term planning for refiners and hinders investment
in advanced hydrocracking or desulfurization technologies that are essential to
process VGO into lighter and more valuable fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Additionally, unpredictability in oil prices creates pricing uncertainties in
long-term contracts with downstream buyers, leading to strained supply chain
relationships.
These conditions can prompt
refiners to switch to alternative feedstocks with more stable pricing profiles,
which in turn reduces the demand for VGO. Compounding the issue, speculative
trading in oil futures often amplifies price movements beyond what fundamentals
dictate, causing further instability. Smaller players in the market are
especially vulnerable, as they often lack the financial buffers to absorb
sudden cost spikes or demand slumps. Moreover, in regions where government
subsidies or tax structures are linked to crude prices, policy shifts triggered
by price volatility can alter the competitive landscape, putting added pressure
on VGO producers.
The absence of price
predictability also undermines investor confidence, curtailing capital inflows
needed for technological upgrades and capacity expansion. In the long run,
persistent volatility could drive consolidation in the industry, as only the most
financially resilient firms will be able to withstand prolonged periods of
price fluctuation, further reducing competition and innovation in the market.
Thus, unless more robust risk management mechanisms and diversified supply
strategies are adopted, the VGO market will continue to be susceptible to the
uncertainties driven by crude oil price volatility.
Stringent Environmental
Regulations Limiting VGO Utilization in Refining
The tightening of
environmental regulations globally represents another major challenge for the
Vacuum Gas Oil market, particularly in light of growing climate change concerns
and the transition towards cleaner energy sources. VGO is typically processed in
fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units and hydrocrackers to produce
transportation fuels, but the refining and combustion of VGO-derived fuels
contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sulfur dioxide, and
other harmful pollutants. As a result, regulatory bodies such as the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union, and agencies in
emerging economies are enforcing stricter emission norms and fuel quality
standards, including lower sulfur content in fuels. These regulations are
compelling refineries to invest in expensive upgrading technologies like
hydrotreaters and sulfur recovery units to ensure compliance, significantly
raising operational costs.
In many instances, especially
for small to mid-sized refiners, the cost of compliance outweighs the economic
benefit of processing VGO, prompting a shift towards lighter, cleaner
feedstocks or even renewable fuel alternatives. Furthermore, with the global
push toward decarbonization and net-zero goals by 2050, countries are actively
promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-based transportation systems,
thereby diminishing the future demand for gasoline and diesel—key end-products
derived from VGO. This structural shift threatens to reduce the relevance of
VGO in the long-term energy mix. In parallel, financial institutions and
investors are increasingly applying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
criteria in their funding decisions, making it more difficult for VGO-related
infrastructure projects to secure capital.
Environmental activism and
public opposition to fossil fuel reliance are also influencing political
agendas, accelerating legislative changes that could phase out heavy feedstocks
like VGO. In such a regulatory environment, the Vacuum Gas Oil market faces the
dual challenge of adapting existing operations to meet stricter environmental
standards while also navigating a gradual but significant decline in end-user
demand. If producers fail to evolve with these shifting expectations—either by
investing in cleaner technologies or pivoting towards sustainable
alternatives—they risk obsolescence in a rapidly transforming energy landscape..
Key Market Trends
Shift Toward Cleaner Fuel
Production Driving Hydrocracking Demand in VGO Market
A major trend shaping the
vacuum gas oil (VGO) market is the increasing demand for cleaner fuels, driven
by tightening global environmental regulations, which is boosting the adoption
of hydrocracking over traditional catalytic cracking. VGO, an intermediate
feedstock obtained during the vacuum distillation of crude oil, is rich in
long-chain hydrocarbons and typically used as a primary input in both fluid
catalytic cracking (FCC) and hydrocracking units to produce gasoline, diesel,
and other middle distillates. However, with the rising emphasis on reducing
sulfur emissions, especially due to regulations such as the International
Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 sulfur cap and Euro VI standards in Europe,
refiners are increasingly pivoting to hydrocracking processes that offer higher
yields of low-sulfur diesel and other ultra-clean fuels.
Hydrocracking not only
facilitates better conversion rates but also aligns with global goals of
decarbonization and reduced air pollution. As a result, VGO is gaining more
strategic importance, especially among complex refineries with advanced
hydrocracking units that can maximize its utility. This is particularly evident
in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, where large integrated refineries are
investing in modern technologies to enhance their product slate and
environmental compliance. Furthermore, the trend is being reinforced by the
growing automotive and transportation sectors in emerging markets, where the
demand for high-quality, low-emission fuels continues to climb.
This trend is also pushing
refiners to upgrade or retrofit older FCC units with hydrocracking capabilities
to maintain operational relevance. Additionally, the shift is driving changes
in global trade flows of VGO, with regions rich in high-sulfur VGO increasingly
finding export markets among nations with advanced hydrocrackers. In sum, the
market’s move toward cleaner fuel production is not only influencing
technological investment and regulatory compliance but also altering the
traditional dynamics of VGO supply, demand, and utilization across the global
refining landscape. Freight and commercial transport sectors now account for over 40% of total transportation fuel use globally. Despite the rise in electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles still make up around 90% of the global vehicle fleet, keeping liquid fuel demand high.
Integration of VGO Processing
in Petrochemical Feedstock Value Chains
Another prominent trend in
the vacuum gas oil (VGO) market is the growing integration of VGO processing
into petrochemical feedstock value chains, as refiners seek to capitalize on
higher margins from chemical production amid evolving energy transition dynamics.
Traditionally used to produce transportation fuels, VGO is increasingly being
diverted to generate high-value petrochemical intermediates such as ethylene,
propylene, and aromatics, which are essential in the manufacturing of plastics,
synthetic rubber, and resins. This shift is particularly significant in
Asia-Pacific, led by China and India, where rapid urbanization and
industrialization are generating immense demand for downstream petrochemical
products. The trend is further supported by strategic investments in
refinery-petrochemical integration (also known as crude-to-chemicals or CTC
complexes), where VGO serves as a key intermediary in flexible processing
systems capable of producing both fuels and chemicals.
These integrated facilities
optimize feedstock utilization and offer operational agility by adapting output
to market conditions, thereby enhancing profit margins and supply chain
efficiency. In regions like the Middle East, national oil companies are leading
the charge with billion-dollar investments in CTC projects, leveraging their
access to cost-competitive crude oil and long-term demand for petrochemical
products. Additionally, this trend aligns with the decarbonization goals of
major players, as chemicals offer a longer carbon life cycle and face fewer
decarbonization challenges compared to fuels.
The incorporation of advanced
catalytic reforming, steam cracking, and olefin conversion technologies further
enables refiners to extract greater value from VGO, positioning it as a
cornerstone of future-ready refinery operations. In the long term, as demand
for transportation fuels plateaus and petrochemical consumption surges, the
role of VGO as a strategic bridge between traditional refining and chemical
manufacturing is set to deepen, redefining its value and utility in a
transforming energy landscape.
Global VGO Trade Dynamics
Influenced by Regional Refining Capacities and Crude Slate Variations
The third major trend
impacting the vacuum gas oil (VGO) market is the evolving pattern of global
trade flows, driven by disparities in regional refining capacities, complexity,
and crude slate compositions. As VGO is an intermediate product requiring further
upgrading in secondary refining units, its production and consumption are
heavily influenced by the configuration of local refineries. Countries with
simple refineries lacking FCC or hydrocracking units often export VGO, while
regions with complex and conversion-heavy refineries import it for further
processing into light-end fuels and chemicals. This dynamic is particularly
visible in the transatlantic and transpacific markets. For instance, the United
States, with its vast and advanced refining infrastructure, remains a
significant importer of VGO, especially from Latin America and Russia, to
supplement domestic feedstock.
Geopolitical factors such as
sanctions on Russian crude and refined products have disrupted traditional
trade routes, prompting refiners to seek alternative suppliers in the Middle
East and Asia. Meanwhile, in Asia, rapid refinery expansions in China, India,
and Southeast Asia are boosting domestic VGO utilization, but demand-supply
imbalances occasionally result in spot market imports. Similarly, in the Middle
East, where countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE operate some of the most
sophisticated refineries, VGO is increasingly consumed in integrated complexes,
reducing export volumes and altering global availability.
The growing trend of
crude-to-chemicals integration also impacts trade dynamics, as refiners
prioritize VGO for internal conversion into chemicals rather than fuels, thus
shrinking the pool of tradable VGO. Additionally, shifts in crude slate—such as
the rising use of light tight oil (LTO) in the U.S. and heavier crudes in
Asia—affect VGO yield and quality, thereby influencing import-export
strategies. In this context, global refiners and traders are compelled to adapt
sourcing strategies, diversify suppliers, and invest in feedstock optimization
technologies. Consequently, the VGO market is becoming increasingly complex and
regionally nuanced, with trade flows reflecting not just economic
considerations but also political, regulatory, and technological factors.
Segmental Insights
Product
Insights
The Low Sulfur Content segment
held the largest Market share in 2024. The Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market in the
Low Sulfur Content segment is witnessing robust growth, driven by increasingly
stringent environmental regulations and fuel quality standards aimed at
reducing sulfur emissions globally. Governments and regulatory bodies such as
the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) have enforced strict limits on sulfur content in fuels to curb air
pollution and mitigate health risks associated with sulfur oxide emissions. The
IMO 2020 regulation, in particular, which mandates a sulfur content of no more
than 0.5% in marine fuels, has significantly increased the demand for
low-sulfur feedstocks such as Low Sulfur VGO.
Refineries are prioritizing
the production and procurement of Low Sulfur VGO to ensure compliance with
these environmental standards while meeting the rising demand for cleaner
transportation fuels, especially in developed markets like North America, Europe,
and parts of Asia Pacific. Moreover, Low Sulfur VGO plays a crucial role as a
feedstock in hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units to produce
ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and other high-value refined products. The
growing demand for ULSD in both on-road and off-road applications is further
enhancing the consumption of Low Sulfur VGO. Technological advancements in
refining processes are also enabling more efficient desulfurization techniques,
making it economically viable for refiners to process and upgrade Low Sulfur
VGO to premium fuel grades.
The shift toward sustainable
refining practices and cleaner fuel alternatives has prompted investments in
refinery upgrades and expansions tailored to handle low sulfur content
feedstocks. This trend is particularly evident in emerging economies undergoing
rapid industrialization and urbanization, where the demand for clean energy and
fuels is accelerating. Furthermore, rising public and governmental awareness
regarding the environmental impact of high-sulfur fuels has influenced fuel
procurement strategies among transportation and logistics providers, further
stimulating market demand. The global transition to cleaner energy sources,
alongside efforts to meet carbon neutrality and emission reduction goals, is
amplifying the strategic importance of Low Sulfur VGO as a transitional
feedstock that aligns with short- to medium-term decarbonization targets.
The consistent growth in
automotive and maritime transportation, coupled with stricter emission norms,
is reinforcing the need for compliant fuels and by extension, for refining
intermediates like Low Sulfur VGO that enable their production. In summary, the
Low Sulfur Content segment of the Vacuum Gas Oil market is expanding
significantly due to environmental regulation-driven demand for cleaner fuels,
technological advancements in refining, and strategic shifts across the energy
and transportation industries toward sustainability and compliance with global
emission standards.
Type
Insights
The Light Vacuum Gas Oil segment
held the largest Market share in 2024. The Light Vacuum Gas Oil (LVGO) segment
of the Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market is experiencing significant growth, driven
by increasing demand for cleaner-burning transportation fuels, ongoing refinery
upgrades, and the expansion of petrochemical industries globally. As
governments across various regions enforce stricter fuel quality standards to
reduce sulfur emissions and promote environmental sustainability, refiners are
increasingly utilizing LVGO as a feedstock in hydrocracking and catalytic
cracking units to produce high-value, low-sulfur diesel, gasoline, and jet
fuel. LVGO’s favorable properties—such as lower density and sulfur content
compared to heavy vacuum gas oil—make it more suitable for conversion into
light distillates, enhancing its attractiveness to refiners aiming for
operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the global rise
in automotive ownership, particularly in emerging economies, and the recovery
of air travel are spurring consumption of refined fuels, subsequently boosting
the demand for feedstocks like LVGO.
Petrochemical demand is also
a strong market driver, as LVGO serves as a precursor for producing ethylene,
propylene, and other essential building blocks used in plastics, packaging, and
industrial chemicals. Many refiners are investing in upgrading their facilities
to include advanced cracking technologies that maximize LVGO utilization due to
its higher yield potential for desirable products. Additionally, as the energy
industry gradually transitions towards more sustainable practices, LVGO offers
a bridge fuel solution by enabling the production of relatively cleaner fuels
without requiring an abrupt overhaul of existing refining infrastructure. The
rising need for energy security and diversification of feedstock sources is
encouraging refiners in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to increasingly adopt
LVGO to meet growing domestic and export-oriented fuel demand.
Technological advancements in
refinery operations, such as integrated processing units and residue upgrading
technologies, are further enhancing the economic viability and processing
efficiency of LVGO, thereby fueling its market penetration. Moreover, favorable
crude oil price dynamics and the availability of cost-effective crude blends
suitable for LVGO production are supporting its supply chain stability. As
global refining capacity continues to expand, especially in regions like China,
India, and Southeast Asia, the LVGO segment is expected to witness a steady
rise in demand, underpinned by its role in meeting both regulatory standards
and commercial fuel requirements. In summary, the market drivers for the Light
Vacuum Gas Oil segment are multifaceted—anchored in environmental compliance,
refinery optimization, rising transportation fuel consumption, and robust
petrochemical demand—positioning LVGO as a critical intermediate in the
evolving landscape of global energy and chemical production.

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Regional Insights
Largest Region
North America region held the
largest market share in 2024. The Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market in North America
is primarily driven by the robust demand for refined petroleum products,
particularly gasoline and diesel, fueled by the region’s well-established
transportation and industrial sectors. As VGO serves as a crucial intermediate
feedstock in the production of high-value fuels through processes like
catalytic cracking and hydrocracking, its importance is amplified by the
consistent need for cleaner, higher-octane fuels that meet stringent
environmental regulations. The U.S., being home to some of the world’s largest
and most technologically advanced refineries, continues to lead the charge in
integrating advanced refining technologies that enhance VGO conversion
efficiency and output quality, thereby driving market growth. Additionally, the
rising shale oil production in North America has led to a stable and economical
supply of crude feedstock, promoting continuous operations and expansions
within the refining sector.
This domestic abundance of
crude has incentivized refinery upgrades and capacity expansions aimed at
maximizing output from VGO, especially in the Gulf Coast and Midwest refining
hubs. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, have further pushed refiners
to optimize VGO usage in producing low-sulfur, high-performance fuels.
Furthermore, the growth of petrochemical manufacturing in the region—driven by
rising demand for plastics, synthetic materials, and other derivatives—has
contributed to the increasing use of VGO as a feedstock for producing olefins
and aromatics. The implementation of digital technologies and process
automation in refineries is also playing a pivotal role in improving
operational efficiency and enhancing the processing of heavy feedstocks like
VGO, supporting market expansion. Strategic investments and joint ventures
between major oil companies and technology providers to develop more
sustainable refining processes are anticipated to further bolster the VGO
market.
In addition, the region’s
export-oriented refining model, supported by strong logistics infrastructure,
allows North American refiners to meet global demand for refined products, thus
amplifying the need for VGO as a primary processing material. Moreover, despite
growing momentum for energy transition and electrification in transportation,
internal combustion engine vehicles remain dominant in North America, ensuring
sustained demand for gasoline and diesel, and by extension, for VGO. As such,
while the push toward decarbonization and renewable energy may present
long-term challenges, in the near to mid-term, the Vacuum Gas Oil market in
North America is poised for continued growth driven by refining optimization,
technological advancement, robust infrastructure, and consistent downstream
demand.
Emerging region:
South America is
the emerging region in Vacuum Gas Oil Market. The Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) market
in South America's emerging region is primarily driven by the rapid expansion
of refining capacities and growing demand for transportation fuels amid ongoing
industrialization and urbanization. As economies like Brazil, Argentina, and
Colombia witness increasing energy consumption, their refining sectors are
evolving to meet rising domestic demand for gasoline and diesel, for which VGO
serves as a critical feedstock. This has led to modernization and capacity
enhancement initiatives in existing refineries and the development of new
facilities focused on hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC)
technologies to convert VGO into lighter, high-value petroleum products.
Moreover, favorable government policies supporting energy infrastructure
development and strategic partnerships with international oil companies are
accelerating the adoption of advanced refining technologies.
Another
significant driver is South America’s increasing automotive fleet, driven by
urban population growth and improving economic conditions, which fuels the need
for cleaner, high-performance fuels—products derived from VGO processing.
Additionally, the region’s proximity to major crude oil producers facilitates a
stable supply of feedstock to support VGO production, while export
opportunities to North America and Europe enhance the market's attractiveness.
The push for cleaner fuels in response to environmental regulations,
particularly low-sulfur diesel, also encourages refiners to invest in upgrading
processes that require VGO as a base input. Furthermore, the economic
diversification efforts in countries like Brazil are fostering investments in
downstream oil and gas sectors, which include the expansion of vacuum
distillation units and conversion facilities.
The presence of
national oil companies, such as Petrobras, and their strategic focus on
increasing refining efficiency and output further propels the regional VGO
market. Additionally, the availability of skilled labor, improving logistics
infrastructure, and access to capital through foreign direct investment are
contributing to the sector's resilience and growth prospects. In essence, a
confluence of rising fuel demand, refinery upgrades, supportive policies, and
evolving market dynamics is positioning South America's emerging economies as
key contributors to the growth of the Vacuum Gas Oil market.
Recent Developments
- In January 2024,
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) successfully completed the sale of its
assets in Norway, marking a significant step in its strategic realignment. This
transaction included the exit of KUFPEC (China) Inc., a subsidiary of KPC, from
its operations in China. This move is part of KPC's broader efforts to optimize
its global portfolio and refocus its investments on key markets and growth
areas. The divestiture aligns with the company’s evolving business strategy,
which aims to streamline operations and enhance its focus on core assets,
ensuring long-term profitability and sustainability in an ever-changing global
energy landscape.
- In October 2024, Pfeiffer Vacuum and Fab Solutions launched the DuoVane series, a new generation of rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for global use. Offering pumping speeds of 6 to 22 m³/h, the DuoVane features IE2 energy-efficient motors, quiet operation, and enhanced safety and vapor handling. It is ideal for applications like freeze drying, HVAC, analytical instruments, and vacuum generation in high-tech industries.
- In February 2025, Tornado Infrastructure Equipment Ltd. unveiled two new products at the WWETT Show in Indianapolis, underscoring its dedication to innovation, engineering excellence, and growth in the infrastructure equipment sector. Among the launches, the EF4 Tornado Hydrovac and Coring Machine stand out as cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate efficiency and performance. The EF4 Tornado Hydrovac, engineered for enhanced safety and productivity, features high-pressure water and vacuum systems, ergonomic controls, and a sustainable design tailored for construction and industrial excavation tasks.
Key Market Players
- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
- Vertex Energy Inc.
- Shell PLC
- Chevron Corporation
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- China National Petroleum
Corporation
- BP International Limited
- CANA LLC
- PJSC Lukoil Oil Company
- Zhejiang Petrochemical Co.,
Ltd.,
|
By Product
|
By Type
|
By Application
|
By Region
|
- Low Sulfur
Content
- High Sulfur Content
|
- Light Vacuum Gas Oil
- Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil
|
- Gasoline Production
- Diesel Oil Production
|
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South America
- Middle East &
Africa
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Global Vacuum Gas Oil Market
has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry
trends which have also been detailed below:
- Vacuum Gas Oil Market, By Product:
o Low Sulfur Content
o High Sulfur Content
- Vacuum Gas Oil Market, By Type:
o Light Vacuum Gas Oil
o Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil
- Vacuum Gas Oil Market, By Application:
o Gasoline Production
o Diesel Oil Production
- Vacuum Gas Oil Market, By
Region:
o North America
§ United States
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ France
§ United Kingdom
§ Italy
§ Germany
§ Spain
o Asia-Pacific
§ China
§ India
§ Japan
§ Australia
§ South Korea
o South America
§ Brazil
§ Argentina
§ Colombia
o Middle East & Africa
§ South Africa
§ Saudi Arabia
§ UAE
§ Kuwait
§ Turkey
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies
presents in the Global Vacuum Gas Oil Market.
Available Customizations:
Global Vacuum Gas Oil Market report with the
given Market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional Market players (up to five).
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