Question : Fire Accidents in Oil Tanks- Refineries

(a) the number of accidents caused due to fire in oil tanks, refineries, etc. during the last three years along with the loss of life and property as a result thereof, Oil Marketing Companies-wise;

(b) the updated status on inquiry conducted by the Government for major fire incidents that took place in oil storage tank of IOCL at Hazira along with the action taken by the Government against officials of IOCL for negligence of duty;

(c) whether the Government has issued any directives to petroleum companies to avoid such fire Incidents in storage tanks/refineries in future and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any Committee was set up for examining the reasons for such incidents, if so, the details thereof along with the Recommendations of the said committee and number of such recommendations implemented; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to set up Emergency Response Centre for accidents caused due to fire in oil tanks, refineries and if so, the details thereof and the timeline set for their completion?
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MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) : Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) had informed that during the last three years and the current year i.e. 2017-18 (up to February, 2018), two incidents of fire in oil tanks have been reported in the sectors of the Oil and Gas Industry such as Refineries & Gas Processing Plants, Marketing Operations (LPG/POL), Exploration & Production and Cross Country Pipelines in India. Details of both incidents is given as under:

S.No. Date of Incident Location Company Fatality Brief description of the incident
1 29.07.17 Visakh Refinery HPCL Nil There was a fire at the roof of crude tank 120-T-01D at 1840 hours on 29.07.2017 due to lightning during the rain prevalent at that time. The fire was fought immediately and brought under control within 15 minutes. The fire was completely put off by 1915 hrs. There were no casualties in the incident.
2 06.10.17 Marine Oil Terminal,
BPCL- Mumbai Refinery BPCL Nil On 6.10.2017 at 16:24 hours, during heavy rains and thunderstorm, there was a lightning strike on the tank farm area at MOT. At the same time, tank No 13 having HSD service caught fire.

(b) to (d) : The fire incident at Hazira Marketing Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) was occurred on 05.01.2013. This incident was investigated by Inter Disciplinary Enquiry Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Executive Director, OISD and Internal Committee of IOCL.

IOCL has informed that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against their 14 officers. Major penalty was imposed on 3 officers. Minor penalty was imposed on 9 officers. Recordable warning was issued to one officer. Major penalty of ''Reduction of basic pay by three stages with cumulative effect'' was imposed on one officer who was suspended earlier.

OISD has informed that Enquiry Committee in its investigation Report, has made 20 recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Out of these recommendations, 19 recommendations have already been complied with by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Government has issued directive to all Public Sector Oil Companies to review the safety and security measures at all petroleum depots /terminals and take all necessary corrective actions to plug any loopholes in the security and safety system.

(e) : One of the recommendations of the MB Lal Committee which investigated the IOCL Jaipur Fire Incident, was setting up Emergency Response Centre in India which can handle Oil fires with specialized and expertise available with them. Five locations viz. Jaipur, Vizag, Manmad, Hazira, Dibiyapur have been identified in the country for setting up of pilot ERCs. A global tender for appointment of consultant for Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the said 5 pilot ERCs has been floated.
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