Attock Refinery Resumes Main Plant Operations After Shutdown

Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has restarted its main crude distillation unit after a shutdown lasting nearly two weeks, the company announced in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

The refinery’s primary processing unit, with a production capacity of 32,400 barrels per day, was brought back online following the stabilization of crude oil supplies and the resumption of product dispatches via oil tankers. The unit had been offline since April 22 due to significant supply disruptions.

The shutdown was caused by an abrupt suspension of oil tanker movements resulting from strict security measures and road closures in Islamabad. These restrictions were related to high-level foreign delegations and diplomatic activities, including developments surrounding US-Iran talks.

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The disruption affected both the inbound supply of crude oil and the outbound distribution of refined fuels. As a consequence, ARL was compelled to halt operations of its main processing unit. During the period of closure, petrol and diesel stocks accumulated at the refinery, while crude intake fell sharply.

Company officials had earlier warned of possible localized fuel supply pressures emerging from the situation, although national authorities maintained that overall fuel reserves across the country remained adequate.

With the main unit now operational again, the refinery is expected to gradually normalize the supply chain. This restoration is anticipated to help alleviate fuel distribution challenges, particularly in northern parts of Pakistan.

The restart of operations at Attock Refinery marks a significant step towards stabilizing fuel supplies following disruptions related to security and diplomatic activities in the capital region.