By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 12 -- Investigations are under way to determine the cause of a fire early Monday at the crude unit of Statoil ASA's Mongstad refinery in western Norway. The blaze, extinguished within 2 hr, slightly injured two people who were treated at a hospital and released.
"The extent of the damage is less than expected. . .." said Statoil Vice-Pres. Bjørn Kåre Viken.
Although the crude oil section remains shut down, production in the rest of the refinery is continuing at moderately normal levels, Statoil said.
Repairs, expected to take "some weeks," will begin as soon as police clear the area, Viken said. Meanwhile, the refinery will operate at about 50% capacity.
