LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell said the TGI unit at its 404,000 barrels per day Pernis plant in the Netherlands, Europe's biggest oil refinery, has been shut due to strike action which began on April 8.

A spokeswoman for the oil major said that striking workers were trying to disrupt planned maintenance on the Moerdijk Lower Olefins (MLO) factory at the nearby petrochemical plant.

"Not taking out the factory for maintenance could have an effect on the environment, safety and licences, therefore we are keen to have the maintenance take place as scheduled," she said.