Syrian Pipeline Sabotage Worsens Energy Crisis Amid Power Shortages
A key pipeline in eastern Syria was damaged in an explosion on Monday night, halting gas supply to several power plants. The incident occurred when a sectional valve on the pipeline connecting Al-Shoula area to Deir ez-Zor exploded, triggering a major fire.
The blast disrupted gas flow from the Al-Jabsah processing plant, one of Syria's primary gas facilities. According to Syrian Petroleum Company officials, this marks the second major attack on the facility in recent weeks.
The pipeline sabotage is the latest act of damage to Syria's energy infrastructure. The country is facing a severe power shortage due to a significant decline in domestic gas production. Since the pre-war average of 30 million cubic meters per day, production has plummeted to just 8.5 million cubic meters.
The demand for gas remains high, with daily national requirements ranging between 22 and 25 million cubic meters. This supply shortfall is exacerbating public frustration, which recently boiled over in protests across the country due to sharp fuel price hikes.