Algerian Refinery Shut Down Following Incident Injuring Workers

Sonatrach reports that an incident occurred at the Skikda Refinery’s reforming unit on November 30, injuring seven who suffered burns or were traumatized. The facility was subsequently shut down for maintenance. The incident occurred when opening an exchanger flange. A flash then occurred and was immediately brought under control by the refinery response officers.

A delegation from the Ministry and senior Sonatrach leadership subsequently paid a visit to the facility to examine the situation. During this visit, instructions were given to conduct a technical investigation in order to identify the causes of this incident. It should be noted that this incident had no impact on the other units whose operations are proceeding normally and also has no impact on the program to supply the national market with petroleum products, which remains guaranteed.