Azerbaijan/Russia Supply Unaffected by Pipeline Fire

Gas supply from Azerbaijan to Russia has been unaffected by a fire which prompted the Altiagac-Agsu pipeline to be closed down, SOCAR has said. 

The fire, which broke out on Friday following a gas leak on the pipe, was quickly quenched. An explosion of gas was reported as a result of the leak which occurred at 10.50 pm on Friday night. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire or the explosion.

Repair work is now ongoing on the pipeline. A representative from SOCAR's production arm, Azerigaz, told the Trend news agency that the issues with the pipeline, which connects to Russian supply pipeline Mozdok-Gazimagomed, would not affect exports to Russia.

No timeline has as yet been announced for the completion of the necessary repair work but Azerigaz expects the pipeline to be repaired quickly.

"Speaking about the exact terms is difficult, but everything is being done in order to complete them  in the near future," the company said in a statement to Trend today.

On Saturday, the company said that there would be minimum impact on supply within Azerbaijan, with the exception of one region close to the pipeline.

"Prior to the completion of remedial activities, gas will not be supplied in the village of Altyagadzh," Azerigaz said on Saturday. "There are no problems with gas supplies in other residential points. Gas is now being transported back to an alternative line."

The cause of the leak and subsequent explosion has not yet been identified. Repair work continues today.