LOC10:55
07:55 GMT
BAGHDAD, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- A huge fire broke out early Tuesday in Al-Shaiba,
one of Iraq's largest oil refinery located west of Basra, Iraqi Oil Ministry
said.
Ministry Spokesman Asim Jihad told KUNA the fire started in the refinery's
gas unit as a result to an explosion, but its cause was unknown, adding that
the civil defense teams succeeded in putting out the fire.
The fire caused damage in the gas unit and a number of workers suffered
minor injures because of this, he pointed out.
Jihad denied that the refinery's activities were suspended because of the
incident, saying operations stopped only in a few units of the refinery that
produced more than 100,000 barrels of oil derivative daily.
He said a team of security experts started to investigate the incident.
Other Iraqi refineries witnessed similar incidents recently. Fire broke out
in Baiji refinery last week and a huge fire hit Al-Doura refinery in Baghdad
about two months ago. (end)
mhg.ris
KUNA 151055 Jan 08NNNN