SOCAR Replaces Fire-Damaged Pipeline Section

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has said that it has begun work to replace a section of the Altiagac-Agsu pipeline after it exploded and caught fire three weeks ago. It expects the work to be completed by mid-May.

The section of the pipeline had to be closed down on the 13th of April following a fire in the section of the pipeline located in the Azeri village of Altyagadzh. An explosion was reported at about 10.50 pm that night but the resultant fire was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries or fatalities.

Gas was rerouted and did not affect main supply to Russia or the rest of Azerbaijan.

A spokesperson for SOCAR's production branch Azerigaz told the Trend news agency that the company expects the repair work on the affected section to be completed by the middle of next month.

Operations remain as normal., the spokesperson said, with no impact on gas volumes or on the connecting Mozdok-Gazimagomed pipeline through which gas is transported to Russia.

Gas has been transported through an alternative line since the fire necessitated closing of the Altiagac-Agsu line.

"After the completion of construction of a new branch, pumping gas via the old branch will be redirected to the new line," the spokesperson told the Trend news agency.