The fire, ignited on March 29 during a 1,200-foot bore drilling operation, has yet to be extinguished. Experts suspect the blaze was caused by the accidental release of biogenic methane, triggered by underground plate disturbances.
The initial chemical analysis detected elevated levels of benzene, toluene and tetrachloroethylene, Express News reported.
Tetrachloroethylene was measured at 33 microgrammes per litre, six times the safe limit of 5 microgrammes. Benzene was recorded at 19 microgrammes per litre, while toluene reached 15 microgrammes—both over triple the prescribed thresholds.
A slightly increased quantity of o-xylene was also present in the sample, though within relatively marginal excess.
Despite these findings, the hydrocarbon concentration was found to be within acceptable limits, suggesting no immediate oil or gas seepage into the water.
Experts cautioned that these chemicals are both toxic and potentially flammable, warning that the situation could pose long-term risks to residents in the vicinity.
No fire brigade units are currently deployed at the scene, and no foaming techniques are being used to suppress the blaze. Officials said the district administration has sealed the affected area and is monitoring the fire, which has reportedly increased in volume by 5% to 10% since last week.
The Sindh Ministry of Energy has not issued any statement on the matter. Meanwhile, Sui Southern Gas Company confirmed that none of its installations are located near the fire zone.