Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 July 2025, a section of a technological pipeline at the Khodjaabad oil treatment facility (OTF), operated by Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg), sustained damage, resulting in a brief discharge of liquid beyond the pipeline’s containment area.

According to Saneg, an operational-technical analysis confirmed that the incident was not related to an oil leak. “In fact, the discharge involved technical produced water — the aqueous fraction separated from crude oil at the treatment facility and intended for reinjection into the reservoir as part of the pressure maintenance system,” the company stated.

The incident occurred in a section of the pipeline located after the separation block, where streams of marketable oil and technical water are divided. This section is not part of the transportation system for marketable oil.

Preliminary findings indicate that the damage was caused by unauthorized interference by third parties attempting to steal product. “The illegal tapping compromised the sealed connection, leading to the short-term discharge of technical liquid outside the pipeline,” the company explained.

Saneg has contained the consequences of the incident and launched cleanup operations in the surrounding area, including the canal. The process involves pumping out contaminated water using specialized equipment, including sewage disposal trucks.

The company has also initiated an internal investigation and is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the incident.

“At present, no environmental consequences have been recorded. Additional information will be provided upon completion of all inspections,” Saneg said.