Gas Pipeline Explosion Triggers Massive Fire, Damaging Three Power Plants

A gas pipeline explosion occurred near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday local time. The blast triggered a massive fire and rendered three power plants non-functional.

According to reports from the official news agency SANA, the explosion was heard in Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus. This incident follows another gas pipeline explosion in the eastern region two days prior, which was attributed to sabotage.

“The gas pipeline explosion near the Tishrin power plant triggered a large fire,” a source stated. Tishrin is a hydroelectric project with a capacity of 630 megawatts located on the Euphrates River. The explosion has caused three power plants to cease operations.

“The shutdown of these plants will lead to a decrease in the amount of electricity generated and a temporary increase in power rationing hours,” the source added.

The explosion occurs amidst rising protests against increasing fuel prices, which authorities attribute to the regional conflict with Iran. Syria’s production of oil, gas, and electricity has been severely impacted by the civil war that ravaged the country between 2011 and 2024.

Syria previously produced 30 million cubic metres of gas per day for power plants, compared to the current production of only 8.5 million cubic metres. Domestic gas requirements are estimated to be between 22 and 25 million cubic metres per day.