IOC to maintain Paradip shutdown as lockdown extended

State-controlled Indian refiner IOC may be forced to maintain a shutdown at its petrochemical units in Paradip following an extension of the Covid-19 lockdown in the eastern state of Odisha, where the plant is located.

IOC was forced to shut the plants after the Indian government imposed a 21-day countrywide lockdown on 25 March contain the coronavirus outbreak. The Odisha government today announced an extension of the lockdown in the state until the end of April.

IOC operates a 900,000 t/yr propylene and 200,000 t/yr ethylene unit linked to its Paradip refinery. It also started one line at its downstream polypropylene (PP) plant last year, with a second line due to start production this year. The plant has total capacity of 700,000t/yr for PP.

By Mahua Chakravarty

source: Argus Media