Russia’s Saratov refinery fire extinguished

Management at TNK-BP has said that a fire, which occurred at 1100 GMT at the Saratov refinery in Russia has now been extinguished.

Before the fire started the refinery was producing 130,000 barrels of refined products per day

OJSC Saratov Oil Refinery general director, Konstantin Gusarov, said that the fire injured four employees.

"Regretfully, one of our colleagues is in critical condition. All relevant assistance and support will be provided both to our injured colleagues and their families," said Gusarov.

"Oil refining has been temporarily suspended. The cause of the fire and the damages which were incurred are being determined.

"Upon completion of all required procedures, work will commence to resume facility operations."

The Saratov Oil Refinery owned by TNK-BP produces over 20 types of products; including unleaded gasolines, diesel, fuel oil of all key brands, bitumens, vacuum gasoil and sulphur.

According to Energy Ministry data, the facility produced 4.6 million tonnes of oil products between January-August, including 1.3 million tonnes of fuel oil, 942,300t of diesel and 668,800t of gasoline.

Over 1.721 million tonnes of fuel oil, heating oil and gasoil were exported, mainly by sea but also overland to Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania.