A fire broke out at Petromidia, Romania’s largest crude oil refinery located on the Black Sea coast, but authorities are now reporting that the blaze is being brought under control. The fire occurred following an explosion at the refinery in Constanta County, situated halfway up Romania’s coast and approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles) east of the capital, Bucharest.
Representatives from the refinery were unavailable for immediate contact, and it is yet to be determined what caused the explosion and subsequent fire. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, and the emergency response unit confirmed that no hazardous substances were detected in the air surrounding the area.
Earlier television footage showed billowing black smoke near the refinery, raising concerns about the extent of the fire. However, an emergency response spokesperson stated that the fire is currently extinguished, although there is a risk of re-ignition. Technical personnel from the company are working to empty the affected installation while firefighters continue cooling measures to prevent further flare-ups.
Petromidia refinery is owned by Rompetrol Rafinare, with majority control held by KMG International (KMGI), a subsidiary of the Kazakh state oil company KazMunayGaz (KMGZ.KZ). The Romanian state retains a 45% stake in the refinery.
The refinery primarily sources crude oil from Kazakhstan and processes a significant amount of raw materials. In 2022, it processed 5.26 million metric tons of crude oil, producing 4.1 million metric tons of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, with 63% of the output directed to the domestic market, according to the refinery’s website.
Efforts are underway to fully assess the damage caused by the fire and address any potential environmental impacts. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial facilities and the importance of robust safety measures to protect workers, nearby communities, and the environment.