Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has announced that the crude distillation unit (CDU) at its Rajasthan refinery, which was damaged in a fire incident in December 2024, is expected to restart operations in May 2025. The company provided this update in a regulatory filing, stating that repair work is progressing as planned.
Details of the Fire Incident
The fire broke out at the refinery located in Barmer, Rajasthan, on December 20, 2024. The incident affected the CDU, a critical component for processing crude oil. No casualties were reported, and the fire was brought under control swiftly. HPCL initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the damage.
Repair and Restoration Efforts
HPCL has been working on repairing the damaged unit. The company has engaged specialized teams to expedite the restoration process. According to the filing, the CDU is slated to resume operations by May 2025, minimizing disruption to the refinery's output. The unit has a capacity to process 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Impact on Operations
The temporary shutdown of the CDU is expected to affect crude processing at the refinery. However, HPCL has assured stakeholders that other units at the refinery continue to operate normally. The company is taking steps to mitigate any potential impact on product supplies.
About the Rajasthan Refinery
The Rajasthan refinery is a joint venture between HPCL and the Rajasthan government, with HPCL holding a majority stake. It is a state-of-the-art facility designed to process high-sulfur crude oil. The refinery plays a key role in meeting fuel demand in northern and western India.
HPCL remains committed to safely restarting the unit and restoring full capacity. The company will provide further updates as the repair work progresses.
