18-Inch Pipeline Disruption Hits Quetta and Several Districts
Gas supplies have been suspended across several parts of Balochistan after an 18-inch-diameter main transmission pipeline was damaged in the Bolan area, creating supply problems for thousands of consumers.
According to Sui Southern Gas Company authorities, the pipeline was damaged near Gokart in Bolan, disrupting the flow of natural gas to several districts on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The disruption has affected Quetta, Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat, according to the latest available SSGC information.
Residents in affected areas have reported either complete suspension of supply or reduced gas pressure.
In parts of Quetta, low pressure has created difficulties for households, particularly during cooking hours.
The disruption is particularly significant because the damaged line is part of the transmission network supplying gas to several population centres in central and northern Balochistan.
Cause of Pipeline Damage Yet to Be Officially Confirmed
Initial reports described the pipeline as having been blown up, but SSGC’s available update has so far confirmed only that the 18-inch line was damaged.
The company has not publicly confirmed what caused the damage, and no restoration deadline had been announced in its latest reported update.
This distinction is important because Balochistan’s gas network has previously suffered disruptions from both militant attacks and natural causes, including flooding and pipeline ruptures.
Until police, security agencies or SSGC formally establish the cause, the latest incident should not be attributed to a particular militant organisation.
Repair and restoration teams are expected to work on the damaged section, although the timing of full restoration will depend on conditions at the site and the extent of the damage.
Consumers have been advised to expect interruptions until repairs are completed.
Balochistan Gas Infrastructure Has Faced Previous Attacks
The latest disruption comes months after another 18-inch main gas pipeline was blown up on the outskirts of Quetta on March 30, 2026.
An SSGC spokesman said at the time that unknown individuals had damaged the pipeline, cutting supplies to parts of Quetta and several surrounding districts. No group had immediately claimed responsibility for that incident.
Gas pipelines and other infrastructure have previously been targeted during Balochistan’s long-running security unrest.
Separatist armed groups operate in the province and have previously attacked pipelines, electricity infrastructure and transport networks. However, responsibility for each incident must be established separately, and there was no verified claim of responsibility for Thursday’s latest pipeline damage at the time of reporting.
Balochistan has also experienced pipeline failures caused by severe weather.
In August 2024, floodwaters damaged an 18-inch SSGC pipeline in Bolan district, suspending gas supplies to Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Mach, Pishin and other areas.
This history means investigators will need to determine whether Thursday’s damage resulted from sabotage, a technical failure or another cause.
Households Face Disruption as Restoration Timeline Remains Unclear
The suspension has again highlighted the vulnerability of Balochistan’s gas transmission network.
A single major pipeline failure can affect multiple districts because several urban centres rely on the same transmission infrastructure.
Residents in areas experiencing low pressure could continue facing difficulty using domestic gas appliances until pressure is restored.
Businesses dependent on natural gas may also face operational problems if the disruption continues for an extended period.
SSGC had not provided a confirmed timeframe for full restoration at the time of the latest update, while further information regarding the cause of the damage was still awaited.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details once the damaged section has been inspected and repair work progresses.
