Russian research workers engaged on the development of petroleum reforming processes using platinum-on-alumina catalysts have designed a plant to produce not only high-octane petrol, but also a range of aromatic hydrocarbons. Two types of reforming unit developed by workers from Lengi-progas are described in a recent paper (H. B. Aspel, G. C. Golov and V. D. Pokhozaev, Khim. i Tekhnol. Topliv i Masel, 1960, (5), 1-7). The basis for the differentiation is a change in operating pressure. By working at a pressure of 40 atmospheres it is possible to produce high-octane petrol and xylenes, while benzone and toluene are produced at 20 atmospheres. It is shown that, by modifying and expanding existing petroleum refineries, it is possible to construct multipurpose catalytic reforming plants which may vary their products according to demand.