Strike Shuts Down Hellenic Petroleum Refineries in Greece

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources Europe (Galway, Ireland)--Hellenic Petroleum S.A. (ATH:ELPE) (Athens, Greece) was forced to shut down its three refineries in Greece due to a union strike that began on April 3.

On February 5, a planned overhaul began at the 72,000-barrel-per-day (BBL/d) Thessaloniki refinery, including general inspections of all units; the incorporation of a new, 15,000-BBL/d Continuous Catalytic Reformer Unit; and the completion of upgrade projects for a 72,000-BBL/d Crude Unit, a 16,500-BBL/d Naphtha Hydrofiner and a 15,000-BBL/d Crude Light Ends Unit. The units were expected to restart during the first weekend of April; however, the strike prevented this.

The other two refineries are facing the same situation. On March 10, production at the 100,000-BBL/d Elefsina Refinery, which is in Athens, was halted for economic reasons. It remains shut down following the strike. Also, the 135,000-barrel-per-day Aspropyrgos refinery, which was operating normally, was forced to shut down progressively.

According to initial union demands, the strike was to last 10 days; however, due to failed negotiations, the strike will continue until April 19. A restart date has not been determined.

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