Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has initiated a “periodic maintenance and overhaul” at its Gujarat refinery, which started in February and is expected to continue until June or July. The process, conducted in phases, will see the refinery operating at reduced capacity until full operations resume.
Phased Shutdown of Refinery Units
As part of the maintenance, IOCL has shut down two units of the refinery. IOCL’s Executive Director and Gujarat refinery head, Biplob Biswas, stated that the company will not completely shut down the refinery during the process. “Currently, the refinery is operating at 60% capacity, and this may reduce slightly as we continue the phased shutdown,” he said. The maintenance and overhaul process is necessary for the ongoing efficiency of the refinery’s machinery, plant, and catalysts.
Routine Overhaul and Regulatory Compliance
The refinery’s periodic maintenance includes replacing catalysts, testing equipment, and complying with government regulations. Biswas emphasized the importance of these shutdowns for ensuring equipment functionality and regulatory adherence. “The overhaul is essential to maintain the refinery’s operational standards, and we expect to return to full capacity by July,” he added.
Addressing Safety After November 2024 Accidents
In November 2024, two back-to-back accidents rocked Gujarat Refinery, tragically claiming the lives of workers. Following the incidents, IOCL has conducted a thorough review of its safety systems. Biswas assured that the team has implemented strict new safety protocols in response. “We’ve also completed a root-cause analysis of the accidents and put in place the necessary countermeasures to prevent recurrence,” he said.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, while IOCL has reviewed the recommendations from the high-level committee that investigated the accidents, Biswas declined to disclose specific details of the root-cause analysis. He confirmed that statutory bodies, including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), had also conducted their own investigations and provided additional recommendations. “All of these measures have been fully implemented to ensure a safer environment,” Biswas assured.
