Power outage hits Spanish refineries

Spanish Market: Oil products
28/04/25

A massive power cut across the Iberian peninsula has disrupted operations at several refineries in Spain today, sources told Argus.

Spanish firm Repsol's Petronor subsidiary halted all units at its 220,000 Bilbao refinery earlier because of the power cut, with black smoke released as part of the security stoppage, market participants said. Shutdowns are also under way at Moeve's 250,000 t/yr San Roque base oils plant and at Repsol's 135,000 b/d La Coruna refinery, sources said.

Flaring has been seen at Repsol's 180,000 b/d Tarragona refinery as a result of a response system being activated at the site, according to petrochemical sources.

Moeve and Repsol have yet to respond to a request for comment.

"The refineries need to be brought to a safe state," a trade union representative for Repsol workers said. "The crews are in place, securing the units. There is sufficient autonomy in all of them to guarantee the safety of the facilities."

Chemical sites will also be affected by the power outage. The longer the power outage lasts, the longer it will take to restart integrated sites. Refineries affected by power outages normally require a 2-3 day restart period.

It is unclear yet if any plants have sustained damage.

By George Maher-Bonnett, Isabella Reimi and Alex Sands

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12/05/25

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EU, UK diesel imports from Mideast, India fall in April

12/05/25

EU, UK diesel imports from Mideast, India fall in April

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India, Pakistan reach US-mediated, fragile ceasefire

11/05/25

India, Pakistan reach US-mediated, fragile ceasefire

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White House ends use of carbon cost

09/05/25

White House ends use of carbon cost

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Brazil's inflation accelerates to 5.53pc in April

09/05/25

Brazil's inflation accelerates to 5.53pc in April

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