Fire Erupts in HPCL Rajasthan Refinery: Inauguration Postponed

A fire broke out near a major unit of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery on Monday, a day before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident led to thick black smoke, raising safety concerns.

The fire started near the crude distillation unit and was extinguished in approximately two hours, with no casualties reported. The inauguration event, dedicated to opening this significant facility, has been postponed, according to the Union Petroleum Ministry. An investigation is in progress to ascertain the cause and prevent future incidents.

This event is reminiscent of a similar incident at IOC's Paradip refinery in 2016, highlighting the risks during refinery commissioning phases. The complex, a joint venture between HPCL and Rajasthan's government, is crucial for India's petrochemical sector, aiming to improve energy security and reduce import dependence.