Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) has resumed operations at its main crude distillation unit after a shutdown that lasted nearly two weeks, the company confirmed in a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
The refinery’s primary unit, which has a production capacity of 32,400 barrels per day, was brought back online after crude oil supplies stabilized and product dispatches via oil tankers resumed. The unit had been shut down on April 22 due to significant supply disruptions.
According to the company, the shutdown was triggered by an abrupt suspension of oil tanker movement caused by strict security measures and road closures in Islamabad. These restrictions were linked to high-level foreign delegations and diplomatic engagements, including developments surrounding US-Iran talks.
The disruption impacted both inbound crude supply and outbound fuel distribution, forcing ARL to halt its main processing unit. During this period, petrol and diesel stocks accumulated at the refinery, while fresh crude intake dropped sharply.
Officials had earlier cautioned about possible localized fuel supply pressures due to the situation, although authorities maintained that overall national reserves remained adequate.
With operations now restored, the refinery is expected to gradually normalize supply flows, which could help ease fuel distribution pressures, particularly in northern regions of the country.
