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Bahrain’s state energy conglomerate Bapco Energies has declared force majeure on its group-wide operations following attacks on the Sitra oil refinery in the country.

In a statement on 9 March, Bapco Energies said its decision to issue the force majeure notice follows “the recent attack on its refinery complex”, without providing details.

Earlier in the day, Bahrain’s National Communication Centre announced that “the facility in Ma’ameer” – an apparent reference to the refining facility in near Sitra – had been targeted in an Iranian attack, causing a fire to break out. The fire was contained, and “the incident resulted in material damage but caused no injuries or fatalities”, said the statement carried by the official Bahrain News Agency.

“The company clarified that all local market needs are fully secured according to the proactive plans in place, ensuring the continuity of supplies and meeting local demand without impact,” Bapco Energies said in its statement.

“Bapco Energies values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information,” it said.

The Monday morning attack on the Sitra refinery was the second strike on the complex in days. Iranian missiles hit the facility on 5 March, resulting in parts of the refinery being engulfed in flames, although that fire was also put out quickly.

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QatarEnergy has also issued force majeure to customers that have been affected by its decision to stop production and shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products.

“QatarEnergy values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information,” the state enterprise said in a statement on 4 March.

QatarEnergy announced its decision to halt production of LNG and associated products on 2 March due to military attacks on the company’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in Qatar.

The following day, the company said it was stopping output of products in the downstream energy value chain, including urea, polymers, methanol, aluminium and other products.

The state enterprise did not blame Iran for the attacks in either of its statements, but it is understood that its facilities have been hit by drones or missiles launched by Tehran, as it retaliates against Israel, the US and their military bases in the GCC states, further escalating the ongoing conflict.

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