Attock refinery Announces Temporary Shutdown of Crude Distillation Unit
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A temporary halt in operations at Attock Refinery Ltd.‘s (ARL) main crude distillation unit will begin January 4, the company announced Friday, citing inventory issues and decreased demand from fuel distributors.
The shutdown, expected to last three to four days, impacts the refinery’s HBL-1 unit, which has a processing capacity of 32,400 barrels per stream day. The decision was disclosed in a filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) under Clause 5.6.1 of the PSX Rule Book, as well as Sections 96 and 131 of the Securities Act 2015.
Inventory Buildup Forces Temporary Halt
According to a company release, the refinery experienced elevated finished product stocks in December 2025 due to a combination of factors. Specifically,low crude oil supplies coincided with reduced demand for both petrol and high-speed diesel from oil marketing companies. This imbalance led to a buildup of refined products, ultimately necessitating the temporary shutdown.
“The situation required a proactive response to manage inventory levels and optimize operations,” stated a senior official.
While the primary distillation unit will be offline, ARL confirmed that other crude processing units will continue to operate, and downstream processing facilities will remain functional. The company also emphasized its commitment to fulfilling existing obligations.
Maintenance to be Conducted During downtime
ARL plans to utilize the shutdown period to conduct essential maintenance activities on the HBL-1 unit. This preventative work is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of the refinery’s operations.
The company has assured the PSX that it will maintain committed volumes and uninterrupted deliveries throughout the current month, despite the temporary disruption.This commitment aims to minimize any potential impact on the fuel supply chain.
The declaration comes as the energy sector in Pakistan continues to navigate fluctuating global oil prices and evolving domestic demand patterns. Further analysis of the situation and its potential impact on the broader market is ongoing.
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* Expanded News Report (Why, Who, What, How):
* Why: The shutdown occurred due to a buildup of finished product inventory caused by low crude oil supplies and decreased demand from oil marketing companies.
* Who: Attock Refinery Ltd. (ARL) initiated the shutdown. Oil marketing companies contributed to the situation through reduced demand. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was informed.
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