SHELL: OIL GIANT TO CLOSE PLANT DUE TO OIL LEAK

British oil and gas company Shell has closed its oil refinery on the island of Pulau Bukom. Reuters reports with reference to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA).

The reason why the oil giant stopped the company's operations was the spill into the sea of ​​several tons of oil products, as well as water used in the processing of raw materials. Pulau Bukom, home to Singapore's first oil refinery, is now home to Shell's only energy and chemical park in Asia.

The company said it has taken measures to contain the spill and prevent the spread of oil products into the environment, and has sent vessels along the marine protected area to clean the surface of a light film of oil. The MPA said the investigation is ongoing and shipping traffic in the area is not disrupted.

In April, the Orsk oil refinery suspended operations due to abnormal flooding. Company officials explained the decision as work safety. They added that the refinery's operations were temporarily suspended to avoid environmental risks.