HPCL says fire at Visakhapatnam refinery controlled, no damage to units

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The fire broke out around 10 pm on November 2, prompting the refinery’s Fire and Safety Team to activate emergency response measures

By Rishi Ranjan Kala

Updated - November 03, 2026 at 04:50 AM. | New Delhi

A blaze at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery in Visakhapatnam on Monday, November 2, 2026. Firefighters use high-pressure water monitors to contain the fire at the Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF). Officials reported no casualties, though significant structural damage was reported. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

State-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) said that the Monday fire at its Visakhapatnam refinery has been controlled with no damage to any units.

“A fire incident was reported at the pitch intermediate storage tank at Visakh Refinery of HPCL, at around 10 pm on November 2, 2026. Fire & Safety Team of Visakh Refinery promptly activated the firefighting and emergency response measures,” HPCL said in a statement.

Fire localised to pitch storage tank

Pitch is a dark, viscous residue left after petrol, diesel, and gas oils are processed from crude oil. The tank that caught fire stored pitch.

• Read also: Fire breaks out at HPCL facility in Vizag, no deaths reported

The fire was localised to the pitch tank area and was brought under control quickly. There have been no casualties, the oil marketing company (OMC) added.

“All the Units of Refinery are working safely. HPCL remains committed to the highest standards of safety and emergency preparedness,” the refiner assured.

Visakh refinery has 15 MTPA capacity

HPCL owns and operates refineries in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam with capacities of 9.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and 15 MTPA, respectively.

Visakh refinery was India’s first East Coast Oil refinery, commissioned in 1957 by Caltex Oil Refining India (CORIL) with a crude processing capacity of 0.675 MTPA. The refinery has been expanded in phases to 15 MTPA. Caltex Refinery, along with its marketing facilities, were nationalised in 1976 and amalgamated with HPCL in 1978.

Published on November 3, 2026

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