MRPL shuts down partially for maintenance

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has taken up partial maintenance shutdown of its units without disrupting the fuel production and supplies.

Sources in the MRPL said that the annual maintenance work will go on for a month.

When asked if the water scarcity in Mangaluru region is the reason for the shutdown, sources said maintenance shutdowns are planned in advance. This was also planned well in advance to ensure that there is no disruption in fuel production and supply.

MRPL and MSEZ draw about six million gallons per day (MGD) and eight MGD respectively from River Nethravathi.

Sources from Mangalore Special Economic Zone said “District administration has asked the MSEZ not to draw water from the barrage and reservoir built by M/s APPL and M/s REGPL across River Netravathi. We are adhering to the directions of the district administration.”

‘Guidelines in force’

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said, “About 50% of the units in MRPL had already shutdown for maintenance. The MSEZ is also shut down. The guidelines on not to draw water from River Netharavathi when Mangaluru City faces water crisis is in force since the beginning. The recent rain in the catchment area has slightly improved the water-level in AMR dam, situated upstream of Thumbe vented dam.”

The MCC has initiated water rationing as the region failed to get summer showers.