1.
AV Site of oil explosion alongside lake.
0.08

2.
GV Workmen crossing nearby fire-damaged bridge, PAN TO overflowing oil. (2 SHOTS)
0.29

3.
GV Workmen trying to repair damaged pipeline PULL BACK TO GV site.
0.44

4.
GV Workmen overlooking damaged pipeline; shovelling away mud from damaged pipeline.
1.01

5.
GV Bulldozer clearing mud.
1.09

6.
GV Fire-damaged building on site.
1.14

7.
GV Armed men on site.
1.30




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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In northern Lebanon, unidentified attackers were responsible for an explosion on Sunday (3 January) on part of the main pipeline which carries oil from Iran to the Syrian port of Baniyas. The section of the line which was damaged was the spurline which takes the oil to the Lebanese port of Tripoli. The explosion stopped the flow of oil through the line, and the Director of oil installations at Tripoli said that he did not know when pumping through the spurline would resume. He added that wintry conditions had made repair work more difficult. The line was reopened only two weeks ago after being closed for five years because of the factional fighting in Lebanon and disagreement between Iraq and Syria over transit dues. Wester oil analysts have said that Iraq is making a serious attempt to increase her oil exports which have been reduced by over two-thirds because of the war with Iran. The Tripoli line was intended to carry about 200,000 barrels a day. A much greater amount goes through the main line to syria; this flow has been unaffected by the explosion, according to reports.