A refinery license in India is required for setting up and operating petroleum refining facilities that process crude oil into fuels and petrochemicals, regulated under the Petroleum Act, 1934, Explosives Act, 1884, and supervised by the PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) along with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG). The licensing process involves approvals of refinery layout and GA drawings, details of processing units and storage facilities, fire and safety systems, risk analysis (HAZOP/QRA), and compliance with environmental clearances from the MoEF&CC and State Pollution Control Board. Inspections and clearances from the Fire Department, Factory Inspectorate, and local authorities are also mandatory. The major challenges include strict adherence to safety norms due to large-scale handling of hazardous substances, high capital investment, complex multi-authority approvals, extended approval timelines, and compliance with both national safety codes and international refinery standards.