Singapore (Platts)--19Feb2008

Alon USA Energy late Monday said it has temporarily shut its 70,000 b/d
Big Spring refinery located 290 miles (467 km) west of Dallas after the
facility was hit by an explosion and fire.
The cause of the explosion, which occurred at approximately 8:15 am
central time, and the extent of the damage are not yet known, the company said
in a statement.
The fire has been contained and is in the process of being extinguished
and a thorough investigation will begin as soon as reasonably possible, it
said.
Four workers were injured, but their injuries are not believed to be
life-threatening and are being treated at area hospitals, it added.
"We are concerned by this unfortunate accident, and our main focus right
now is on the welfare of the injured workers and their families as well as on
ensuring that the refinery is safe for investigators to begin determining the
source and cause of the explosion," Jeff D. Morris, Alon's president and chief
executive officer, said.
"We also want to assure our customers that we will make all the
appropriate arrangements to keep them supplied. We remain totally committed to
the safe operation of the refinery and will provide additional information
regarding the condition of the facility as soon as possible," he added.
Alon USA is majority-owned by Israeli fuel company ALON Israel Oil Co.
The company operates four refineries in the United States.