Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. has imposed a shutdown on its Tabangao refinery following a series of earthquakes that caused the power facility to trip last Saturday.
“All personnel in the refinery have been accounted for and there were no injuries sustained as a result of the earthquakes and aftershocks,” Shell said.
“Thorough equipment inspections are being carried out and all necessary repairs and process safety confirmation are being undertaken,” they said.
The shutdown is part of protocols to ensure the safety of the personnel and assess the damage caused by the earthquakes, which hit Batangas and shook nearby areas like Metro Manila.
The refinery will resume production once it completes safety measures. Its start-up was scheduled yesterday and will resume regular production by April 14.
“Shell is exerting all efforts to ensure continued reliable supply of quality fuels to its retail stations and customers, including monitoring of supply situation to avoid possible supply disruption to its main markets, including Metro Manila, during the interim period prior to regular production,” the company said.
