PDVSA Paraguana Crude Refinery Fights Fire at Dock After Explosions
By Jose Orozco – Sep 11, 2010 1:03 PM CT
Petroleos de Venezuela SA’s Cardon refinery had a fire at two of its docks after an explosion at Cardon, which is part of the company’s Paraguana complex. A PDVSA spokesman confirmed the incident and declined to offer additional information or be quoted by name. PDVSA employees are working to control the fire and the company will release a statement later today, the spokesman said.
Globovision earlier reported the fires on its website without saying where it got the information. Flames reached as high as 65 feet (20 meters), Globovision said. Personnel were evacuated after the initial explosion, which was followed by six smaller explosions, Globovision reported without citing anyone.
Cardon, which can process as much as 130,000 barrels a day, had fires at its catalytic cracker unit on March 29 and April 24, according to PDVSA. Venezuela is South America’s largest oil producer and a founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jose Orozco in Caracas at jorozco8@bloomberg.net