Pipeline ‘bursts’ in Mathura, IndianOil suspects pilferage bid
New Delhi   04-May-2012

In an alleged pilferage attempt, an IndianOil diesel pipeline from Mathura refinery to Jalandhar was found to have “burst” on Thursday evening near Umrala village at Kosi Kalan town in Mathura. Officials said an inquiry would be ordered.

The incident was reported around 5 pm on Thursday. Several villagers tried filling up their vessels with the leaking diesel.

Officials said such pilferage attempts had been made earlier as well.

“Since the pipeline is at such high pressure, if at any time a valve is attached, there is a drop in pressure which is therefore noticed,” said an official.

Reportedly, the leakage went on for at least an hour, resulting in loss of several hundred litres of diesel.

IndianOil Chairman and Managing Director R S Butola told The Indian Express, “There was a pilferage attempt. A valve was attached to the pipeline. However, the leakage was noticed and the drop in pressure was noted. The pipeline was immediately corrected and the line is in use now.”