Benzene Pollution Incident Sparks Evacuations, Hits Bazan Refinery Stock

An unusual benzene pollution event near the Bazan refinery in Haifa prompted the evacuation of two schools and advisories for residents to stay indoors and close windows. The Ministry of Environmental Protection detected abnormally high benzene levels, a byproduct of petroleum and a known carcinogen, on Saturday. While Bazan is permitted to exceed the standard daily average of 3.9 micrograms per square meter seven times a year, Saturday's reading surpassed 12 micrograms per square meter, more than triple the usual limit. Although levels returned to normal by Sunday morning, they rose again later, leading to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health on Sunday evening to halt classes on Monday.

The affected schools, "Erezim" and the Social School, both located near the refinery, conducted classes at alternative sites. Residents within a kilometer of the refinery, particularly children and pregnant women, were advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, while industrial zone workers were urged to close windows and use air conditioning. The source of the pollution remains undetermined, though routine maintenance was underway at the Gadiv factory, which produces raw materials for the plastics and chemical industries. The Ministry of Environmental Protection suggested this could be related to "repairing damage caused during the war," a claim Bazan could not confirm. Maintenance at Gadiv has been suspended pending further investigation.

The incident caused Bazan's stock to drop by approximately 7% on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, erasing nearly half a billion shekels from its market value, though the company's stock has doubled year-to-date. The pollution event also intensifies discussions about the planned relocation of the Bazan refinery, slated for completion by 2030. This relocation is part of a government policy to cease petrochemical activities in Haifa Bay, aiming to improve air quality, protect public health, and redevelop the area. Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav criticized the incident as "severe and unbearable," questioning when the government would act to address the ongoing pollution from petrochemical plants operating within populated areas.