A major fuel spill incident was reported at Paradip Port after a petrol pipeline ruptured during cargo unloading operations at the port’s oil jetty, triggering an emergency response and raising environmental concerns.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at around 5 p.m. while petrol was being transferred from a vessel berthed at the port to an onshore terminal operated by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). According to officials, the pipeline connecting the oil jetty to the IOCL storage facility reportedly burst during the transfer operation, leading to the release of thousands of litres of petrol.
Initial reports suggest that excessive pressure inside the pipeline may have caused the rupture, though authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact reason behind the failure. Technical issues, corrosion, or external damage are also being considered as possible causes.
The leak was first detected by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who noticed a strong smell of petrol while patrolling a restricted area near Gate No. 1 of the port complex. Security teams immediately alerted IOCL authorities, following which emergency response units, fire services, and technical experts rushed to the site.
Officials confirmed that part of the spilled petrol entered nearby water bodies and the sea, creating concern among port workers and local residents over potential fire hazards and environmental impact. Authorities quickly tightened security around the affected area to prevent any ignition risk and restricted access while containment operations were underway.
A senior port official stated that the rupture occurred in an isolated section of the pipeline system and confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported. IOCL maintenance teams successfully sealed the damaged section and initiated fuel recovery operations using a Mobile Oil Spill Recovery Unit (MOSRU).
According to IOCL representatives, the petrol was being transported through a pipeline stretching from the oil jetty near Nehru Bungalow to the oil terminal near Bauripalanda village when the leakage was identified. Emergency teams continued monitoring the pipeline system throughout the day to ensure no additional leaks were present.
The Paradip Port Authority stated that unloading activities at the affected jetty would remain suspended until repair work, inspections, and full safety assessments are completed.
The incident has once again highlighted the operational and environmental risks associated with fuel transfer infrastructure at ports, especially during high-volume cargo operations involving hazardous petroleum products.