Ampol Limited (ASX/NZX:ALD) (Ampol) today provides an update on its Lytton refining operations.

As a consequence of an issue with the slide valve in its Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU), Ampol has temporarily ceased operating the FCCU to conduct maintenance on the valve. Ampol expects the FCCU to return to service in early May after completion of repairs and attainment of steady state operations. During this time the refinery will continue to operate, producing diesel and jet, with the impact largely limited to the production of gasoline.

Ampol does not anticipate any disruption in supply to customers, with replacement finished product currently being secured through its Trading and Shipping capability.

Based on recent product crack spreads, the impact of the outage on EBIT is expected to be within the range of $30-50 million, including the cost of the repair and lost opportunity cost from sale of gasoline at higher product cracks.

Since the market update on 20 February 2023, market conditions have continued to be favourable providing a strong start to the year for Ampol’s integrated business.

Ampol will provide further details at its first quarter trading update on 27 April 2023.