PDVSA's Amuay refinery fire injures workers

Oct. 21, 2003
Two workers were injured Sunday in an explosion and fire at Petroleos de Venezuela SA's Amuay refinery unit within the 950,000 b/d Paraguana refining complex in Venezuela. The explosion, which occurred at an electrical substation, caused substantial damage to that area's equipment but did not affect plant operations, as the plant switched to an alternate electricity supply, according to a report by Caracas-based newsletter Petroleumworld and local media reports.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Oct. 2 -- Two workers were injured Sunday in an explosion and fire at Petroleos de Venezuela SA's Amuay refinery unit within the 950,000 b/d Paraguana refining complex in Venezuela.

The explosion, which occurred at an electrical substation, caused substantial damage to that area's equipment but did not affect plant operations, as the plant switched to an alternate electricity supply, according to a report by Caracas-based newsletter Petroleumworld and local media reports.

Last week a fire at the same plant occurred in a hydrodesulfurization unit, which caused no injuries and did not affect production, and another fire at the same unit occurred in April.

PDVSA's oil and gas facilities have been plagued by numerous fires and accidents since the company fired half of its experienced workforce earlier in the year following a general strike by PDVSA management and workers that crippled the industry for months.

The Paraguana refining complex is a major supplier of gasoline to the US.