Another strike at the main gas pipeline by the Baloch freedom fighters resulted suspension of gas to CNG stations for 36 hours in most parts of Sindh and Baluchistan. The explosion in pipeline was reported near Jafarabad in Baluchistan on Wednesday, causing the closure of CNG stations from 8 p.m. for 36 hours.

The incident will certainly affect a number of industrial and domestic consumers of the region to a significant degree. Managing director of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Zuhair Siddiqui, cited that he expects to repair the damaged portion of the pipeline in the next 24 hours to ensure supply of gas to the users.

The incident disrupted the fortnightly gas load management schedule of the SSGC that was decided after negotiations with the CNG dealers and other stakeholders.

As a result long lines of vehicles were seen at gas stations across the city, causing gridlock at many choking points.

The damaged 18-inch diameter pipeline was supplying 114 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of natural gas to the Sui Southern Gas Company.

An SSGC spokesperson said a serious incident of insurgency occurred at 1.30am on Tuesday-Wednesday night near Khudadad Jakhrani village in Jafarabad district.

As a result, the 18-inch diameter high pressure gas pipeline was blown up. The incident was caused by an explosive device, creating an eight to 10 feet deep-hole and ruptured nearly 50-foot-long pipeline in a tract of wet muddy land.

“SSGC is trying its best to manage the smooth and uninterrupted gas supply to the customers of Baluchistan, who are combating highly chilly weather nowadays,” said the spokesperson.

For managing the load of gas to the consumers, SSGC has decided to close down the CNG stations in its franchised areas in Sindh and Baluchistan. It is expected that the supply to CNG stations will resume on 8 a.m. on Friday.