Shell monitors output

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. on Tuesday said it was monitoring its supplies to avoid a possible disruption in its market as its refinery in Batangas undergoes safety inspection following last Saturday’s earthquake swarm.

Shell said in a statement the quakes caused a power outage at the Tabangao refinery, prompting a “controlled shutdown… in line with operating protocols.”

The company said the move was meant to ensure the safety of personnel and assess any damage potentially caused by the earthquakes.

The refinery is expected to be back on regular operation by April 14.

Shell “is exerting all efforts to ensure continued reliable supply of quality fuels to its retail stations and customers, including monitoring of supply situation to avoid possible supply disruption to its main markets, including Metro Manila, during the interim period prior to regular production,” the company said.