Manama, March 15 (QNA) - Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) said on Sunday it had initiated a shutdown of three aluminium smelting lines accounting for 19% of Alba's total production capacity of 1,623,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Alba added that this move is an operational measure to preserve business continuity amid ongoing supply and transit disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. It also aims to maintain production resilience, manage working capital prudently, and develop alternatives to reduce exposure to near-term supply volatility.

It added that the controlled and safe shutdown is being executed in a manner intended to minimize health, safety, environmental, and operational risks, while safeguarding the long-term performance of the affected assets.

Alba said that it continues to monitor and respond to the situation and will provide updates to the market as appropriate. It is also working closely with suppliers and customers to manage commitments and mitigate disruption. (QNA)