El- Arish, Egypt : A main gas pipeline was bombed in early hours by saboteurs. This has cut gas exports of Egypt to neighboring countries of Jordan and Isreal. The attack took place in early hours of Monday in northern peninsula of Sinai.  It  is located 80 km from el – Arish which is a main gas exporting hub of country.

So far, there is no report of causalities. As per a clerk of the company operating the pipeline, 1500 households will be affected by this. According to local resident, big explosion was heard. The flames of height 20 meters were seen at a distance of 20 km from scene. Workers are trying to shut down valves.

Since February, it is considered as third attack. On the 27th of April, there was a powerful explosion. In feb, explosion cut gas supply for about a month.  Natural gas exports to Isreal are a major target of criticism since the fall of Mubarak.

Mubarak is accused alongwith former petroleum minister for export of gas at low prices than international levels because of illicit gains. Egypt plans to raise export prices of natural gas. Consultations are going on in this regard.