Pachpadra HPCL refinery fire: Rajasthan CM orders high-level probe as inauguration by PM Modi postponed

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday ordered a high-level probe into the fire incident at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Balotra district’s Pachpadra.

Terming the fire that broke out hours before the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex’s inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi “extremely unfortunate”, CM Sharma said that he has directed relevant authorities to conduct a high-level inquiry into the incident.

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“The fire incident at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra is extremely unfortunate. In this regard, I held immediate consultations with administrative officials and the refinery management to obtain detailed information about the situation.”

“Currently, the situation is completely under control. Prioritising safety standards above all else, the Prime Minister’s proposed visit has been postponed for the time being. Directives have been issued for a high-level inquiry into this incident,” he said.

He further added that the grand inauguration of the Pachpadra refinery will be carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a new date.

Earlier today, a fire had broken out in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Pachpadra. Several fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said, “Due to an unfortunate fire incident today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit at the HRRL refinery, the scheduled dedication of the refinery by the Prime Minister on April 21, 2026, has been postponed. The fire has been brought under control. There are no reports of any casualties. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident.”

According to reports, the fire has caused extensive damage to the CDU unit and repairs could take up to four months. The official assessment of the damage is still underway.

Emergency protocols were immediately activated, and the refinery premises were evacuated as a precautionary measure. All personnel were safely escorted out, and no injuries or casualties have been reported.