PGN?s subsidiary shuts down Grissik-Duri pipeline due to gas leak

PT Transportasi Gas Indonesia (TGI), a subsidiary of state owned gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara, has temporarily shut down the pipeline that channels gas from Grissik in South Sumatra to Chevron Pacific Indonesia?s Duri oil field in Riau following a gas leak incident.

The firm said it shut down the pipeline after finding leaks at two sectional valves, SV1205 and SV1206.

The gas leaks that occurred on Wednesday morning scared villagers in Kampung Sawah, Indragiri Hulu regency, Riau. In a quick response to the incident, TGI, helped by local governmental officials and police, soon evacuated 165 families (or 450 people) living in the village to a safe place.

TGI soon shut down the two valves and Belilas compressor to stop gas flow in the pipeline. The firm also notified shippers and customers that gas delivery through pipeline had been temporarily suspended, the firm said in a press release made available to Petromindo.com on Thursday.

By 3.30 p.m., the emergency situation had been under control and the gas leak had stopped. The villagers were then allowed to return to their homes.

?At present, a recovery plan is being implemented by experts from all TGI shareholders. The pipeline is expected to resume normal operation within three days,? the firm said.

TGI is 59.87 percent owned by PGN, 40 percent by Transasia Pipeline Company Pvt. Ltd and 0.13 percent by PGN?s pension fund YKPP Gas Negara. Transasia is jointly owned by Petronas, ConocoPhillips, Singapore Petroleum and Talisman Energy. (godang)