Bazan Group Faces 2.5 Million Shekel Class Action Over Haifa Benzene
Bazan Group faces a 2.5 million shekel class action lawsuit over high benzene emissions recorded in Haifa Bay during October 2026 maintenance work.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Bazan Group Over Haifa Benzene Emissions
The Bazan Group (Oil Refineries Ltd.) reported to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that a motion to approve a class action lawsuit has been filed against the company and its subsidiary, Gadiv Petrochemical Industries Ltd. The legal action follows documented high concentrations of benzene in the Haifa Bay area between October 8 and 12, 2026.
According to the claim, the elevated emission levels occurred during routine maintenance work at Gadiv's aromatic facilities, exposing citizens in the affected areas to pollutants. The plaintiffs are demanding a total compensation amount estimated at over 2.5 million shekels, which includes personal compensation of 1,000 shekels for each group member for alleged non-pecuniary damage.
Court Orders and Regulatory Response
In addition to the financial claims, the plaintiffs are asking the court to issue injunctions under the Prevention of Environmental Nuisances Law. These orders are intended to supplement regulatory guidelines and minimize the risk of future pollution events if current oversight mechanisms are deemed insufficient.
"The company is currently reviewing the details of the lawsuit and intends to submit its formal response to the court," Bazan stated in an official response.
The official filing was submitted following notifications received by the corporation on October 15, 2026, and disclosed to the public via the Israel Securities Authority on October 16, 2026.
Haifa Bay Relocation Talks and Valuation
The lawsuit comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding the evacuation of Bazan facilities from Haifa Bay. Recently, Bazan CEO Raphael Maman submitted a valuation report to Prof. Avi Simhon, head of the National Economic Council, placing the price tag for vacating the complex at over 5 billion dollars. This valuation incorporates assessments by BDO and KPMG, alongside projected refining profits.
