PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. has extended ongoing maintenance work in its oil refinery in Tabangao, Batangas, to a still undermined date.
“Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. confirms the extension of the ongoing refinery scheduled maintenance shutdown beyond July 2,” the oil firm said on Monday.
In a text message, Shell Media Relations Manager Cesar Abaricia said the maintenance activity started on May 6 and was supposed to end on July 2. However, “some equipment required additional rigorous checkup”.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the company said further inspection conducted by its refinery personnel showed “certain equipment required more rigorous repair methods, and therefore more time, to ensure the continuing safety and reliability of the plant.”
The oil firm has informed the Department of Energy (DOE) about this.
Shell said there is no supply disruption in its retail network because “there is enough supply” of petroleum products “in our refinery”, Abaricia said.
“The decision to extend the preventive maintenance shutdown is a demonstration of Shell’s commitment to the highest standards of process and personal safety. Our customers and stakeholders can rest assured that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the continuous supply of quality fuel products to the market,” it said.
In April Shell implemented a controlled shutdown in its refinery after four strong earthquakes caused a power outage in the facility.
The shutdown is in line with operating protocols in order to ensure the safety of personnel and assess any damage potentially caused by the earthquakes.
“All personnel in the refinery have been accounted for and there were no injuries sustained as a result of the earthquakes and aftershocks. Thorough equipment inspections are being carried out, and all necessary repairs and process safety confirmation are being undertaken,” it added.