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Business
HPCL Malkapuram Refinery Fire Sparks Over Sulfur Pitch, No Injuries Reported
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 02:48 PM
👁 1
A fire broke out at the HPCL Malkapuram refinery in Andhra Pradesh, ignited by a buildup of sulfur pitch. Authorities confirmed no casualties and the blaze was contained.
A fire erupted at the HPCL Malkapuram refinery in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, with the blaze traced to an accumulation of sulfur pitch in the plant’s storage area. Firefighters arrived within minutes and managed to bring the flames under control before they could spread to other sections of the refinery.
The refinery, which processes crude oil into a range of petroleum products, reported that the incident caused no injuries or fatalities. Emergency response teams conducted a rapid assessment of the site and confirmed that the fire was contained to a limited area.
HPCL officials stated that the refinery’s safety protocols were activated immediately and that no major equipment was damaged. Operations are expected to resume shortly, although a brief shutdown may be necessary for a full safety audit.
The company has not yet released a detailed investigation report, but preliminary findings point to the sulfur pitch as the ignition source. No environmental impact has been reported, and the surrounding community remains unaffected.
The refinery, which processes crude oil into a range of petroleum products, reported that the incident caused no injuries or fatalities. Emergency response teams conducted a rapid assessment of the site and confirmed that the fire was contained to a limited area.
HPCL officials stated that the refinery’s safety protocols were activated immediately and that no major equipment was damaged. Operations are expected to resume shortly, although a brief shutdown may be necessary for a full safety audit.
The company has not yet released a detailed investigation report, but preliminary findings point to the sulfur pitch as the ignition source. No environmental impact has been reported, and the surrounding community remains unaffected.