Fire breaks out at Lukoil-owned Ukhta oil refinery

A blaze ripped on Thursday through the small-scale Ukhta oil refinery which controlled by Russian oil major Lukoil. Video showed a huge ball of fire over the refinery. The ministry of emergencies said the fire has spread through 1,000 square metres. But, the explosion seemed to have worried the residents of the city as they proceeded to cross a road without looking at the blaze. Interfax news agency said staff had been evacuated from the plant. The refinery processed around 2 million tonnes of oil in January to November.