Indian Oil says Gujarat refinery ops normal after benzene tank fire, no casualties

Indian Oil runs a 13.7 million metric tonnes per annum integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Gujarat. (file photo)

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Indian Oil Corp's refinery operations in Gujarat's Vadodara were unaffected after a benzene storage tank caught fire, the country's top refiner said in a statement on November 11.

No casualties were reported and the final head count is being conducted to find if anybody is missing, which prima facie seems unlikely, said Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar, who also added that things are under control.

"A benzene storage tank caught fire after a blast at the refinery. They (IOCL) have isolated the affected storage unit. Fire tenders are deployed to control the situation," Komar told PTI.

The fire at the IOCL refinery in the Koyali area on the outskirts of Vadodara occurred around 3:30 p.m-4 pm IST on Monday and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, IOC said.

IOC runs a 13.7 million metric tonnes per annum integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Gujarat.

Local MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela said a few people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital, according to PTI.

Visuals showed thick plumes emerging from the refinery which can be seen from kilometres away. Several workers were evacuated and can be seen exiting the IOCL campus.

Komar said fluid circulation in the IOCL complex was stopped as per the standard operating procedure. Other storage tanks are being cooled to ensure that the blaze didn't spread.

All the employees who were working in the shift have been moved out of the refinery, he added.

"People reaching the refinery for subsequent shifts are being turned back for safety reasons. It will take time before the benzene in the 500-KL storage tank is burnt out. Benzene burnout will take some time before being completely put off," the police commissioner said.