LAHORE: A 20-inch-diameter pipeline originating from Zamzama gas field in Dadu, Sindh, was blown up by terrorists on Sunday, leading to suspension of supply to textile units in Punjab.

According to senior officials of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the incident caused a deficit of 100MMCFD in the system, forcing them to suspend gas supply to the textile sector, the only industry receiving gas in winter.

“The incident also caused some problems in the domestic sector, as many people in Lahore complained of low gas pressure. But the problem was resolved after we suspended gas supply to the textile sector temporarily,” a senior official told Dawn.

He said that since the pipeline in question was meant for supply of gas to Punjab alone, the incident didn’t cause any problems in the other provinces.

He said the repair work would begin on Monday morning and by Tuesday the situation would become normal. He said an inquiry into the incident had been ordered.

SHUTDOWN: The supply of gas to various residential and commercial areas of Lahore will remain suspended from 3pm on Monday to 9am on Tuesday owing to the shifting of a 12-inch-diameter pipeline at the site of the under-construction Jinnah underpass and a road linking Wahdat Road to Canal Road.

According to an SNGPL spokesman, the localities which will have to do without gas or have to contend with low-pressure supply during the period include Shah di Khoi, Alfa Society, Engineer Society, Wafa City, Johar Town (E Block), Model Town (Extension), Jinnah Hospital Township and adjacent areas.

Published in Dawn December 15th , 2014