Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery deactivating process begins

A member of the Trade Unions collective at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery yesterday said that the process of deactivating the refinery started yesterday evening.

He said that they have received the instructions to deactivate the refinery as there is uncertainty over the arrival of crude oil ship which is expected to reach the country on June 29.

“The refinery can function at minimum capacity using the existing reserves, if crude oil ship arrives by June 28. However, decision has been taken to deactivate the refinery as date of crude oil ship’s arrival is uncertain”, he said.

The refinery has been deactivated on four occasions over the last 8 months.