Toxic Chemical Levels Blamed for Korangi Creek Fire, Report Reveals

A recent fire that erupted during drilling near an oil refinery in Karachi’s Korangi Creek on March 28, 2025, was likely triggered by the presence of chemicals exceeding permissible limits, according to a preliminary report by University of Karachi experts. Chemical analysis of boiling water samples from the site revealed elevated concentrations of Benzene (19 micrograms per liter), Toluene (15 micrograms per liter), and Tetrachloroethane (33 micrograms per liter), surpassing the allowable limit of 5 micrograms per liter for each. Additionally, heavy metals such as copper were detected. Authorities, including Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), are collaborating to contain the fire and plan to initiate exploration activities to assess the extent of gas presence within a five-kilometer radius.