In a statement KNPC Public Relations Department Head Mohammad al-Hajeri said, “The refinery opted to shut some units as a result of a mechanical malfunction in its steam production equipment that occurred at 7.55 am local time. As a result, there was a sudden drop in steam pressure, which prompted the refinery management to stop some refinery units as a precautionary step and in compliance with emergency procedures followed in such cases.”

“The complex was in restart mode hours later. It is expected that the refinery will return to normal production today [and] no shortage of supplies to the local or international markets will result from the incident,” added Mohammad.