Egypt's petrol exports have been affected by an explosion that took place on a natural gas pipeline, north of Sinai, Minister of Petroleum Sameh Fahmi said on Saturday. Fire broke out early Saturday at the main gas source in Arish city. Flames leapt into the air due to "saboteurs," according to state TV, blowing up the international pipeline linking Arish to Jordan “Gas exportation was affected by the pipeline explosion, and hence all petroleum exports were affected,” said Fahmi in press releases. Egyptian authorities ceased the pumping of gas to Israel via the Arish pipeline following the explosion. Fahmi attributed a lack of fuel at gasoline stations to the curfew extension which reached 17 hours on some days, hindering drivers and workers at fuel stations.
