EGYPT: Authorities forced to cut gas supplies through key pipeline to Israel and Jordan following attack on key pipeline by saboteurs

Record ID: 353041

  • Title: EGYPT: Authorities forced to cut gas supplies through key pipeline to Israel and Jordan following attack on key pipeline by saboteurs
  • Date: 28th April 2011
  • Summary: ARISH, NORTH SINAI, EGYPT: (APRIL 27, 2011) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF RISING FLAME GAS PIPELINE ON FIRE CROWD OF PEOPLE NEAR THE PIPELINE
  • Embargoed: 13th May 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Egypt, Egypt
  • Country: Egypt
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Energy
  • Reuters ID: LVA4435W9X5Q9KMWFIU8FHNEQYBR
  • Story Text: Authorities have closed off the main source of gas supplying a pipeline that was blown up by saboteurs in Egypt's North Sinai on Wednesday (April 27) a security source told Reuters.
    The source said an unknown armed gang attacked the gas pipeline near Arish city, adding that the flow of gas to Israel and Jordan had been hit.
    State-owned Israel Electric Corp said on Wednesday it was preparing to keep its power plants running, using all resources at its disposal to guarantee continued power supplies, including the use of other fuels.
    Israel's infrastructure minister said the pipeline attack, the second in recent months, is proof the country needs to find alternatives to Egyptian gas.
    An earlier attack on the same pipeline, located south of the North Sinai town of el-Arish, was staged on Feb. 5 during an 18-day-uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak from power on Feb. 11. Gas supply resumed in March.
    Israel gets 40 percent of its natural gas from Egypt, a deal built on their landmark 1979 peace accord. It mostly uses coal for power generation, but also has its own gas and can also substitute with other fuels.
    The security source said the Egyptian authorities were working to extinguish the fire at the scene of the attack.
    END
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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