Summary In a regulatory filing submitted to the PSX and SECP, it confirmed that its primary crude distillation unit has been taken offline after disruptions to both crude supply and product distribution
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has announced the shutdown of its main crude processing unit due to road closures in the federal capital linked to security arrangements ahead of anticipated US-Iran talks.
In a regulatory filing submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the refinery confirmed that its primary crude distillation unit has been taken offline after disruptions to both crude supply and product distribution.
Authorities had blocked key routes in Islamabad in recent days in preparation for the possible arrival of US and Iranian delegations for a second round of negotiations, significantly restricting the movement of oil tankers.
ARL stated that the suspension of tank lorry traffic has halted the inflow of crude oil from production fields and prevented the dispatch of refined petroleum products. “The abrupt suspension of oil tank lorry movement to and from ARL has adversely impacted crude receipts and product deliveries, directly affecting refinery operations,” the company said.
The refinery further noted a sharp build-up in inventories of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD), alongside a significant drop in crude supply. As a result, it has shut down its main crude distillation unit (HBU-I), which has a capacity of 32,400 barrels per stream day, until transport conditions improve.
Industry sources warned that the disruption could force a shutdown of oil production across parts of Punjab, particularly in Jhelum and Attock, as well as most fields in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, potentially leading to longer-term operational challenges.
The disclosure was made in compliance with regulatory requirements under the PSX rulebook and relevant provisions of the Securities Act, 2015.
