Guwahati, Aug 30 - A fire broke out at the Guwahati oil refinery Sunday, creating panic in the area, officials said.

The fire started at the sulphur recovery unit of the refinery at around 3.30 p.m., said a refinery spokesman, quoting preliminary reports.

He said details of the incident were awaited.

A thick blanket of smoke could be seen in the sky and was visible even about five kilometres away from the refinery.