KOCHI — Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) has scaled down production at its Kochi Phenol Complex due to a sudden halt in bulk LPG supplies from Bharat Petroleum (BPCL).

Following a government mandate to prioritize domestic LPG consumers, BPCL declared force majeure, affecting its industrial supply agreement with HOCL.

Operational Impact:

• Unit Shutdowns: The PRU unit was shut down on March 9; downstream units face closure within 48 hours.
• Reduced Production: The Phenol and Cumene plants are operating at minimal loads as buffer stocks are exhausted.
• Exception: The Hydrogen Peroxide plant remains fully operational and unaffected.

HOCL warned of significant production losses and high restart costs if the disruption persists.