ORLEN Unipetrol Group will commence a planned two-month turnaround at its Litvínov chemical site Friday, April 11, the company announced. The shutdown will facilitate regular maintenance, technological modernization and investment projects within the petrochemical production plant.

During the operational pause, approximately 3,000 external workers, primarily from Czech and Slovak companies, will conduct maintenance and modernization across the petrochemical units, according to Milan Brejchal, a member of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group Board of Directors. The company anticipates the petrochemical production technologies will resume operations in early June.

The turnaround, a routine procedure for petrochemical facilities, is designed to ensure compliance with legislative and control requirements. Last year, the refinery portion of the Litvínov site underwent similar maintenance. This year's work focuses on the petrochemical segment, with an investment of 3 billion Czech crowns.

"On Friday, April 11, we will start to reduce operations and next week we want to start maintenance and modernization work," Brejchal said.

Key maintenance actions include replacing a high-pressure steam pipeline, replacing internal floors within the ethylene unit's four columns, and modernizing the flare system. Over 2,000 maintenance and modernization operations will be performed on the ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene production units.

The refining section of the plant, including the Kralupy nad Vltavou refinery, will continue full operation during the petrochemical turnaround. Brejchal noted the Kralupy nad Vltavou refinery is scheduled for its own planned turnaround in 2026.

ORLEN Unipetrol aims to minimize disruption to local communities during the shutdown. The company acknowledged potential audio-visual and smoke effects, particularly during the shutdown and restart phases. Residents can find updates on the company's website, social media, and the Most pro Krušnohorí Ecological Center website.

ORLEN Unipetrol Group is the leading refining and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic, specializing in crude oil processing and the production, distribution, and sale of fuels, plastics, and fertilizers. It plays a key role in both Czech and Central European markets. The Group operates refineries and plants in Litvínov, Kralupy nad Vltavou, Pardubice, Neratovice, and Otrokovice, along with research centers in Litvínov and Brno. It also manages the ORLEN fuel station network across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. With over 6,000 employees, ORLEN Unipetrol ranks among the country’s largest companies by turnover. A member of the ORLEN Group since 2005, it is committed to sustainability, education, community support, and environmental care. The company has been recognized as a Top Employer in 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring its dedication to employee well-being and development, alongside numerous national awards for corporate responsibility and excellence.