January 01, 2009	Thursday	Muharram 03, 1430

PESHAWAR, Dec 31: The main pipeline of the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited was blown up at the Ring Road early Wednesday morning.

The explosion caused suspension of gas supply to several localities, including Hayatabad, Badbher, Ormar, Achenay and adjacent villages. “The incident affected supply of gas to parts of Peshawar because the main supply was halted soon after the explosion to control the fire,” an official of the SNGPL told Dawn at the blast site.

It was the second time that the 12-inch diameter pipeline was blown up, a source said. The pipeline, he said, had earlier been blown up four years ago.

Another official said the bomb had been planted at a place also closed to an electricity pylon.

A bomb disposal squad official said about one kilogramme explosive had been used, which could not fully explode. He said the safety fuse had been recovered from the spot.

SNGPL engineers Zahid Khan and Inamullah Khan told Dawn that the explosive had been planted four feet beneath the pipeline.

“We have been working to replace the destroyed line, which will take about six hours,” they said, and added that the affected areas were facilitated through an alternative line along the Jamrud Road.

The blast took place just opposite a police checkpost in the Bhana Manai police area and policemen said they heard the explosion. However, police failed to chase the saboteurs.

The police concerned, of Bhana Manai, avoided to give details and said the pipeline had burst due to gas pressure. “No one has so far reported to us what had happened to the pipeline,” a police official said.Meanwhile, consumers across the Frontier province have been facing hardships due to excessive Sui gas loadshedding and most of the people have opted for liquefied petroleum gas cylinders or firewood.

Our Correspondent from Bannu adds: Local people have accused hoarders of creating artificial shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in the area and said they are selling gas at Rs100 per kilogramme. They said the local administration had failed to take action against the hoarders fleecing consumers.