Petrobras: Oil Thieves To Blame For Pipeline Spill

Brazil’s Petrobras said Friday that thieves trying to break into a pipeline are to blame for a small oil spill near Rio De Janeiro that contaminated a coastal wetland area.

According to Reuters, the Petrobras operated ORBIG pipeline that runs from Angra dos Reis to the Duque de Caxias Refinery (REDUC) spilled about 600 liters, or 3.77 barrels, of oil on Friday.

About 50 liters of the spilled crude contaminated a wetland area and nearby ocean waters.

The incident happened near the Green Coast of Rio De Janeiro, a popular tourist attraction along the country’s Atlantic coast.
Petrobras said the spill was caused by an attempt to break into the pipeline and steal fuel.

Although Friday’s spill was small, the leak garnered attention from analysts and union officials concerned that a major corruption probe into Petrobras is affecting the company’s maintenance operations, Reuters said.

The spill was followed by an unrelated blaze that broke out on Friday at a Petrobras fuel and crude pipeline pumping station in Sao Paualo.

The fire was brought under control within two hours, the company said

The two incidences came on the heels of a separate pipeline break in attempt on June 13.

According to Reuters, thieves ruptured a gas pipeline near the REDUC refinery after mistaking the line for a water pipe.
No injuries were reported during any of the incidences.