Gujarat floods: HBJ pipeline closure hits supplies

The Hazira-Bijapur-Jagdidhpur (HBJ) gas pipeline has been closed due to floods in Gujarat, affecting gas supplies, power plants and the fertilser industry.

"The pipeline has been closed since yesterday midnight due to the flood situation in Gujarat, which has also affected the Hazira plant of the ONGC," Petroleum Ministry sources said.

The Hazira plant, which has a capacity of 32.5 million standard cubic metre per day, lies submerged in a water column of over 5 feet.

However, the official said the CNG supply to Delhi would not be affected due to the closure of the pipeline.

It would take another two-three days for the water to drain and the pipeline could be only restored after that, sources said.

"Work is going on in a war footing to restore the pipeline," they added. The HBJ gas pipeline is operated by the state-run Gas Authority of India (GAIL).