Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is preparing to extinguish the mysterious fire that erupted last month during drilling operations in Korangi Creek, Karachi, with plans to subsequently extract gas from the underground pocket.

Chemical analysis of groundwater and soil samples from the site has revealed elevated concentrations of gases, including benzene and toluene, along with minerals such as iron and magnesium. The Korangi Deputy Commissioner confirmed that experts’ findings indicated the presence of heavy metals and substantial quantities of benzene.

Initially, experts believed the shallow gases would dissipate naturally. However, after eight days of sustained flame intensity, PPL specialists reconsidered their approach and decided to investigate the underground pocket to determine the extent of the gas presence.

The fire began during drilling operations for a borehole as part of a high-rise project, which may have fractured the underlying shale. Tests revealed benzene, toluene, and tetrachloroethane at concentrations far exceeding permissible limits, along with concerning levels of iron, arsenic, manganese, and lead.

TPL Properties reported to the Pakistan Stock Exchange that they had encountered a pocket of underground gas during water exploration drilling in the same area. They identified the gas as shallow biogenic methane, a naturally occurring substance formed from decomposing organic material.

TPL assured stakeholders that their investigations, including geotechnical studies and environmental assessments, were conducted with necessary approvals and in collaboration with both local and international experts.