Petroleum ministry forms body to solve Korangi Creek fire issue

On the request of the Sindh government, the federal government’s ministry of petroleum has formed a committee to ascertain facts behind the Korangi Creek fire.

Officials said the Sindh government had taken up the issue and directed the Karachi commissioner to conduct an inquiry. Afterwards, the commissioner had written a letter to the federal government for the formation of a committee.

Now the ministry of petroleum has constituted a technical committee to oversee the issue. As per a statement issued by the ministry of petroleum, “In response to the recent fire incident at Korangi Creek, the ministry of petroleum has constituted a technical committee to oversee the assessment and containment efforts. This committee comprises representatives from PPL, OGDCL and PRL, working together to ensure a swift and effective resolution.

“TPL fully supports this collaborative initiative and will actively facilitate the work of the technical committee in every possible way. We commend the proactive measures being taken and deeply appreciate the continued support of the Cantonment Board Korangi, district administration and other government authorities.

“We remain committed to managing this situation with the highest sense of responsibility and transparency. TPL will continue to coordinate closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe environment and effective resolution.”

As a per notification issued for the formation of the committee, “It is hereby notified that reference Commissioner Karachi Division letter dated 3rd April, 2025 on the above-mentioned subject, the Petroleum Division is pleased to constitute the Committee consisting of the following members to resolve the issue immediately; Sikandar Ali Memon, COO, PPL as Convenor, while the members are Habibullah Chohan Manager Production, OGDCL, Khurram Shahzad Chief Geologist, Basin Studies - Exploration, OGDCL and Abdul Majid General Manager (Technical), PRL.

“The Pakistan Refinery Limited is requested to establish a Camp Office within its premises immediately, and all E & P companies and Service companies working in Sindh province are requested to provide necessary technical and logistical assistance to aid in the firefighting efforts and remedial operations.

Conducting a detailed technical investigation to assess the cause and extent of the fire, recommending immediate and long-term mitigation measures to extinguish the fire and prevent future occurrences, and Executing the necessary interventions in coordination with local authorities to ensure timely containment and effective risk management.”

‘Fire under control’

The Korangi Cantonment Board has claimed to have brought the mysterious fire in Korangi under full control.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the board's chief executive officer (CEO), Faisal Wattoo, reassured citizens that there is no longer any danger and no need for panic. "Our teams have been working continuously in three shifts, and fire brigade vehicles remain stationed at the site," he said, adding that there is no longer any threat of the fire spreading further. He also confirmed that the Korangi Creek Industrial Area has been secured.

Wattoo said security personnel have been deployed around the fire site, and citizens are advised not to treat the area as a recreational spot. “This is for their own safety,” he emphasised.

He further revealed that preliminary investigations have identified the gas responsible for the fire as “biogas” or “shallow gas”, rather than natural gas. “Thermal gas is typically found at depths of around 10,000 feet, whereas the gas discovered here existed in shallow underground pockets,” he explained.

Wattoo added that all relevant stakeholders, including Pakistan Petroleum, are involved in addressing the incident. “Such incidents have occurred even in developed countries, and Pakistan can manage this situation effectively.” He said that while the gas emissions were initially intense, the severity has decreased and the release rate has stabilised. Additional samples have been collected, and the results are awaited. A liquid sample was taken yesterday.