ISLAMABAD: Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has shut down its main crude distillation unit after security-related restrictions in Islamabad disrupted the movement of oil tankers, the company said in a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
The development highlights the knock-on economic impact of heightened security measures linked to efforts to host talks between the United States and Iran. Road closures and tight movement controls have constrained fuel logistics, affecting both crude supply to refineries and the distribution of refined products.
ARL said there had been an “abrupt suspension of oil tank lorry movement to and from” its facilities due to the expected arrival of foreign delegations, which had adversely affected crude oil receipts and product dispatches.
“As a result, we have shut down our main crude distillation unit (HBU-I) of 32,400 BPSD capacity till improvement of the current traffic restrictions,” the company said.
The refinery added that stocks of Motor Spirit (petrol) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) had increased significantly due to constraints in product dispatch, while crude oil receipts had declined sharply because of road closures.
Pakistan has in recent days stepped up security across Islamabad, deploying large contingents and restricting movement as authorities prepare for possible high-level diplomatic engagements.
Prolonged disruptions could strain supply chains if refinery operations remain curtailed, though immediate shortages are unlikely given existing fuel inventories.
