BPCL LPG Disruption Forces HOCL to Reduce Plant Load at Kochi Facility
Kochi, March 9, 2026: Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) has announced a reduction in plant load at its Kochi unit following a disruption in the supply of bulk LPG by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
The company disclosed the development to BSE Limited under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
According to the filing, the Government of India has directed public sector oil manufacturing companies to ensure that LPG procured or marketed by public sector entities is supplied exclusively to domestic LPG consumers. As a result, BPCL, which is the bulk LPG supplier to HOCL, informed the company that a force majeure event has occurred affecting its ability to continue LPG supply under the existing sale agreement.
Impact on HOCL Kochi Operations
The disruption has directly impacted the HOCL Kochi unit in Kerala, which houses the company’s Phenol Complex and is the only manufacturing facility of the company. The plant produces key industrial chemicals including:
-
Phenol
-
Acetone
-
Hydrogen Peroxide
HOCL stated that the available buffer stock of LPG will be fully utilized by the evening of March 9, 2026.
Due to the interruption in continuous LPG supply, the company has reduced the production load of its Phenol and Cumene plants to manage the limited fuel availability.
Temporary Shutdown of Units
The company further confirmed that, because of the ongoing disruption, it has been compelled to temporarily shut down operations of the PRU unit on March 9, 2026. Other downstream units at the facility are expected to be shut down within the next two days if LPG supply does not resume.
However, HOCL clarified that the Hydrogen Peroxide plant will continue operating normally and will not be affected by the current supply disruption.
Possible Production Loss
HOCL also informed BPCL that prolonged disruption in LPG supply could lead to production losses and additional expenditure related to plant restart activities once operations resume.
The company stated that further updates regarding the situation will be communicated to the stock exchange as developments occur.
The disclosure was formally submitted by Subramonian H, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited.