Major fire erupts in benzene tank at Indian Oil’s Gujarat refinery, emergency teams mobilized

In a significant development, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is currently addressing a fire that erupted in a benzene storage tank with a capacity of 1,000 kilolitres at its Gujarat Refinery, located in Vadodara. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM today, and the refinery’s emergency response team swiftly mobilized to contain the situation. As per the latest updates, firefighting operations are actively ongoing, with efforts to control and douse the flames progressing under heightened safety protocols.

The adjacent water sprinkler system was immediately activated to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby facilities, underscoring Indian Oil’s commitment to safety. Despite the blaze, refinery operations remain unaffected, with no reported disruptions to the broader facility. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and an investigation will commence once the situation is fully under control.

The company emphasized that the safety of its employees, as well as the surrounding communities, remains a top priority. As a part of their contingency measures, the refinery has escalated efforts to maintain a secure environment while ensuring the fire does not escalate further.

Industry Expert’s Take on Safety Protocols

According to safety experts familiar with refinery operations, facilities such as the Gujarat Refinery follow stringent safety guidelines to mitigate risks associated with handling flammable materials like benzene. Although benzene is a volatile compound, typically used in industrial processes, the design of storage tanks and emergency systems like sprinkler systems are engineered to contain incidents of this nature. Analysts suggest that the effectiveness of Indian Oil’s safety response highlights the company’s preparedness for emergency situations, a critical factor given the high stakes in petrochemical processing.

Ongoing Safety Focus Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Indian Oil’s swift response reflects the company’s adherence to regulatory standards and safety best practices, both essential in India’s high-stakes energy industry. The government and safety bodies may likely conduct reviews to examine the cause of the incident and evaluate the adequacy of preventive measures. Indian Oil, a Maharatna company, holds a significant position in India’s energy sector, making such safety incidents a matter of public concern and regulatory oversight.

This event, while unfortunate, demonstrates the operational rigor Indian Oil has put in place at one of its key refineries. Further updates are anticipated as firefighting teams continue their work, and the corporation is expected to release additional statements as new details emerge.