Pertamina?s fuel pipeline in Subang catches fire

The pipeline owned by state owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina in Subang, West Java, used by the firm to channel diesel oil from the Balongan refinery to the Plumpang station in North Jakarta exploded early in the morning today (Thursday).

The incident took place 5.30 am in Mandalawangi, Sukasari, Subang. ?The trunk line exploded and then caught fire,? Milla Suciyani, a spokesperson of Pertamina, said, adding Pertamina was able to put off the fire on 8.55 am.

She said the incident caused casualties but she did not specify.

The police is investing into the incident. Pertamina suspected the incident was caused by illegal tapping in view of the holes underneath the exploded pipeline and tapping tools found at the local.

The repair of the pipeline will take two days. While the repair work is in progress, Pertamina will use an alternative pipeline or trucks to transport diesel oil from the Balongan refinery to Jakarta.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon