Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited reported sustained operational excellence in the quarter ended 31 March 2026, with crude throughput of two point nine three million tonnes (mn t) compared with two point nine seven million tonnes (mn t) a year earlier. This represented capacity utilisation of 112 per cent and reflected efficient plant operations. For the year the company processed 11.71 million tonnes (mn t) of crude, maintaining capacity utilisation of 112 per cent. The company sustained a best-ever distillate yield of about 80 per cent, underlining focus on energy efficiency.

Quarterly financial results reflected robust physical performance and improved refining margins, with revenue from operations of Rs 204.55 billion (bn) compared with Rs 205.81 bn a year earlier. Profit before tax rose to Rs 18.90 bn and profit after tax to Rs 14.00 bn, up from Rs 5.82 bn and Rs 4.50 bn respectively. The gross refining margin for the quarter improved to US$ 13.75 per barrel from US$ 6.22 per barrel.

For the year revenue from operations rose to Rs 786.11 bn from Rs 710.50 bn, supported by higher throughput and margins. Annual profit before tax increased to Rs 41.22 bn and profit after tax to Rs 30.62 bn, compared with Rs 2.08 bn and Rs 1.74 bn respectively in the prior year. Consolidated profit after tax for the year stood at Rs 31.03 bn. The board recommended a final dividend of Rs 54 per share with a face value of Rs 10 per share, in addition to an interim dividend of Rs 8 per share.

Management attributed the results to operational reliability, higher distillate yields and a focus on cost and energy efficiency that supported margin expansion. Yearly gross refining margin improved to US$ 9.28 per barrel from US$ 4.22 per barrel, contributing to profitability. The maintenance of high capacity utilisation and steady throughput were cited as key enablers, positioning the company to sustain momentum and return cash to shareholders.