(a) whether ULFA extremists have blocked the supply to refineries in Assam recently by damaging pipelines;
(b) if so, the details alongwith the loss suffered as a result thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to ensure security of refineries in the State; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. Two incidents took place, details of which are given below:-
(i) On 6-8-2005, at around 2300 hrs, crude oil supply from Oil India Limited ( OIL) to Guwahati Refinery was suspended due to a blast in OIL’s crude pipeline near Sibsagar, between Moran and Jorhat. Crude oil supply to the Guwahati Refinery was maintained by M/s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. Crude oil processing at Guwahati Refinery remained normal. However, owing to the blast, OIL suffered an estimated loss of Rs.248.46 lakh.
(ii) On 7-8-2005, at around 2105 hrs, Diesel pumping in the Digboi-Tinsukia Pipeline ( DTPL) was suspended owing to a blast in DTPL at Tengapani Tea Estate between Makum and Tinsukia. After necessary repairs, DTPL pumping operations resumed on 9-8-2005. Digboi refinery operations remained normal because of adequate quantity in product tanks. IOCL suffered an estimated loss of Rs.20 lakh on account of this blast.
(c) and (d): The security of oil installations in Assam is looked after by the security staff of the Oil Companies, the Central Industrial Security Force and Assam Police. The security status is reviewed on a regular basis in coordination with the State Government. The Inspector General of Police (Security) reviews the security arrangements of Oil Sector Refineries, Pipelines and Installations on a quarterly basis in the Intelligence Sub-Committee Meetings.