Fire Hits Rajasthan Refinery Just Before Inauguration

A fire erupted at the newly built HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited in Pachpadra, Balotra, Rajasthan, on April 20, causing a delay in its inauguration planned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The blaze was contained within the crude distillation unit (CDU) and fortunately resulted in no casualties.

The incident, attributed to a possible hydrocarbon leak from a valve or flange in the heat exchanger circuit, was swiftly managed by the site's emergency team. However, the fire has postponed the refinery's dedication, previously set for April 21, with a new date yet to be announced, authorities said.

A team led by former MRPL managing director M Venkatesh is investigating the fire's cause as well as its impact on future operations. Preliminary assessments by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) indicate no material financial or operational damage to the refinery's units, which remain structurally sound.