Trump Announces Plan for First U.S. Oil Refinery in 50 Years

Refinery to be built in Brownsville, Texas with backing from India's Reliance Industries

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:49am

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Former President Donald Trump announced plans to build the first new oil refinery in the United States in 50 years. The $300 billion refinery project will be located in Brownsville, Texas and will be backed by investment from India's Reliance Industries. The refinery is expected to process 168,000 barrels per day of U.S. shale oil and produce 50 billion gallons of refined products worth $175 billion.

Why it matters

The construction of a new oil refinery in the U.S. is a significant development, as the country has not seen a new refinery built in half a century. This project aims to boost American energy production, strengthen national security, and deliver billions in economic impact. It also highlights the growing partnership between the U.S. and India in the energy sector.

The details

The refinery, led by America First Refining, will process 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. light shale oil valued at $125 billion. The facility will produce 50 billion gallons of refined products worth $175 billion. Trump touted the refinery as 'THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD', emphasizing its environmental credentials.

  • The work on the refinery could begin as early as Q2 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who announced the plans for the new oil refinery.

Reliance Industries

An Indian conglomerate that is providing investment backing for the $300 billion refinery project in Brownsville, Texas.

America First Refining

The company leading the refinery project, which aims to process 168,000 barrels per day of U.S. shale oil.

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What they’re saying

“THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY”

— Donald Trump

“The new refinery will 'strengthen our National Security, boost American Energy production, deliver Billions of Dollars in Economic impact, and will be THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The project is expected to begin construction as early as Q2 2026 once all necessary approvals and financing are secured.

The takeaway

The construction of the first new U.S. oil refinery in 50 years represents a significant milestone in the country's efforts to bolster domestic energy production and security. The partnership with India's Reliance Industries also highlights the growing global cooperation in the energy sector.