Venezuelan Workers Report Restart of Catalytic Cracker at Smallest Refinery

VALENCIA, Venezuela: The El Palito refinery, Venezuela’s smallest facility with a capacity of 146,000 barrels per day, has restarted its fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) to boost motor fuel production, according to statements from four workers on Monday.

The facility has been gradually reactivating its operational units in recent days following twin earthquakes in late June that had caused power outages at the site.

“The FCC is operational, and we are working to increase output,” one worker noted, adding that while the unit required several attempts to stabilize, it is currently processing approximately 35,000 barrels per day.

The Venezuelan oil ministry stated over the weekend that fuel supplies are guaranteed across all regions, particularly in areas impacted by the seismic activity, such as the coastal state of La Guaira. While the ministry did not provide specific volume data, gasoline queues at service stations remain short, suggesting sufficient distribution levels.

The earthquakes did not cause significant damage to the nation’s broader energy infrastructure, allowing oil production and exports to continue without interruption; however, electricity and water supplies remain the most heavily impacted public services.

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