By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 13 -- An explosion and subsequent fire early Friday shut down a catalytic hydrotreater at BP PLC's 420,000 b/d Whiting, Ind., refinery, according to press reports.
The fire injured three people and downed the processing unit, but the rest of the plant was operating normally, it was reported. BP has 300,000 b/d of catalytic hydrotreating capacity at the plant, which is the third largest refinery in the US.
The fire helped push September oil futures prices to a record $45.93/bbl Friday morning, the 10th record high hit in 11 trading days. Futures later slipped to trade at $45.51 (OGJ Online, Aug. 12, 2004).
BP did not report how long the unit would be down, the reports said.
