ONGC says no leakage in Uran gas plant, nothing to panic

Mumbai, September 25 (IANS): As reports of leakage at state-run explorer ONGC's Uran plant surfaced early on Wednesday morning, the public sector energy major later said that there was no leakage at the plant, and the hydrocarbon smell experienced was because of incessant rains.



In a tweet, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said: "At #ONGC Uran plant smell of hydrocarbon felt early Morning which was spread due to incessant rains. There is no leakage. All precautionary measures in place. Plant is running normal. There is nothing to panic."



The company further said that its senior officials are present at the Uran plant and are interacting with local people to dispel fears.



"ONGC Senior officers are present in the Uran plant. Interaction with the local villagers and administration is on to dispel the panic caused by hydrocarbon smell in the vicinity, which is spread due to heavy rains," according to another tweet.



The incident comes days after at least five persons were killed in a major fire that broke out at the Uran gas processing plant.



Following the incident, shares of ONGC have slumped over 1 per cent and closed on Wednesday at Rs 131.45, lower by Rs 2 or 1.50 per cent, than its previous close.