Friday, 30 September 2011

Shell refinery fire in Singapore to affect Asian supply

SINGAPORE: A fire that disrupted production in Shell's largest refinery will affect regional supplies of gasoline and other products in the short term, analysts said Friday.

The Anglo-Dutch oil giant said the fire broke out Wednesday at its refinery in Pulau Bukom, an islet five kilometers (three miles) off Singapore, prompting the evacuation of non-essential staff.

The fire was extinguished before midnight Thursday, 34 hours after it began, with the help of Singapore civil defence units.

No fire or smoke was visible at Pulau Bukom from the Singapore mainland on Friday, an AFP photographer said.

Shell spokesmen could not be reached for comment on the refinery's current status but the company said Thursday that it had started a progressive shutdown of the whole refinery before the fire was put out.

Six people suffered superficial wounds and three fire engines were damaged from the fire.

In a statement issued overnight, Shell said it was "prepared to shut down all refinery units if this is considered necessary from a safety perspective."

Analysts said the fire at the refinery -- which has a crude refining capacity of 500,000 barrels per day and produces fuels, lubricants and specialty chemicals -- will affect regional supply of gasoline and petrochemical products in the short term. (AFP)

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