Theft attempt caused oil leak: PARCO

The Pak-Arab Refinery Company (Parco) said on Sunday that an 'unsuccessful oil theft attempt' was the reason for the breach in a major pipeline near the Shah Latif Town. Late Saturday, a large quantity of crude oil formed a black river in the area following a breach in the pipeline. A police contingent was dispatched to the area after the incident was reported to keep bystanders and pilferers at bay.

"The initial investigation revealed an unsuccessful oil theft attempt by a group of unidentified men, resulting in the leakage. The perpetrators fled the scene when Police and PARCO's security team reached the site," said the company which is a joint venture between Pakistan and Abu Dhabi. Malir SSP Hasan Sardar Niazi, who inspected the area Saturday night, had said an investigation was under way to determine whether this was due to wear and tear or if the damage was inflicted deliberately with the intention to steal.

Similar incidents have been reported in the past. Parco said that it temporarily suspended oil movement operations, which resumed "approximately seven hours after all necessary steps…were completed".

Last year, a bid to steal petrol from the underground pipeline at the Mehran Highway was foiled by Sindh Police. However, there were no arrests. At the time, police sources had said the thieves had placed a ‘clip’ on the pipeline near the railway track with the collusion of local officials.