ISLAMABAD: Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has announced the temporary shutdown of its main crude distillation unit due to a severe shortage of crude oil, according to a regulatory filing made Tuesday at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
In its notice, the refinery stated:
“We wish to inform you that ARL has shut down its main crude distillation unit (32,400 barrels per stream day capacity) due to very low crude stocks.”
The shutdown, which began this week, is expected to continue until June 01, 2025.
The company attributed the shortfall in crude supply to curtailed production at local oilfields, caused by elevated SNGPL system gas pressure resulting from increased reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This pressure has led to reduced gas production and, consequently, lower crude oil output from domestic sources.
The impact on operations has also been reflected in market performance, with ARL’s share price dipping by Rs4.49 (0.67%), trading at Rs664 at the time of the announcement.
Incorporated in 1978 and converted into a public company in 1979, Attock Refinery plays a vital role in Pakistan’s downstream petroleum sector. It is a subsidiary of the Attock Oil Company Limited (UK), with Coral Holding Limited (Malta) as its ultimate parent company.
The temporary closure underscores the vulnerability of domestic refining operations to disruptions in local crude production and highlights the broader implications of energy system imbalances caused by LNG import dynamics.
