A leakage at ONGC's Mumbai Uran Trunk (MUT) crude oil pipeline in the western offshore on Friday morning has led to an oil spill of about a mile, which could mean a loss of about 25,000 barrels, according to an initial assessment.

In a statement issued here, the company said, “The leakage of oil has been stopped.” The news of the spill saw ONGC stock fall by 2.7 per cent during the day.

Oil production, however, has resumed from Mumbai High through ICP-Heera Uran Trunk (HUT) pipeline. The MUT currently pumps 212,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd). A loss of 25,000 barrels would be just over 10 per cent of daily production from the pipeline, which serves the Mumbai High field.

Mr S. Sundareshan, Petroleum Secretary, said, “There has been a minor oil spill… the spill has been brought under control. We haven't yet found the cause of the leak.”

He also said that the loss has been limited to just the oil in the pipeline at the time.

ONGC said the leakage was observed 2 km from BPB platform (Bassein oil and gas field) on the western offshore, 80 km from the Mumbai coast. Connected oil and gas wells were closed for safety reasons.

The oil and gas production from Mumbai High was diverted to the ICP-Heera Uran Trunk (HUT) pipeline.

“The Coast Guard had assessed the situation of oil spill and feeling that the matter is under control decided to withdraw the Regional Contingency Plan. It has been estimated that the oil spill will be dispersed within 48 hours. Surveillance and monitoring of operations will continue jointly by ONGC and Coast Guard,” said the company.

The leakage was detected at MUT oil pipeline at on Friday morning. The company had activated the Regional Contingency Plan (which is the existing emergency response measure) on detection of the leak.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW