Bloomberg reported that Yemen LNG production was halted after an attack on a gas pipeline as fighting in the country's capital, Sana'a left nine people dead.

The company said that the production has stopped but the loss of production is expected to be limited as the LNG plant was due to shut down on October 23rd 2011 for annual maintenance.

Attacks against the country's pipeline network have disrupted exports and caused nationwide shortages since protests against President Mr Ali Abdullah Saleh started this year.

The Al Shabwan tribe in March blew up part of the pipeline carrying oil from the central province of Marib to Ras Eisa, Yemen's main outlet for crude exports. The government said that it had to raise refined product prices until the line was repaired in July.

Total SA owns about 40% of the Yemen LNG venture and is the project leader as well as a buyer of the fuel. The company is Yemen's biggest foreign investor.

Korea Gas Corporation which has agreed to buy 2 million tonnes a year of LNG from Yemen owns 6% of Yemen LNG. GDF Suez also has a long term supply contract with the plant.

Dr Mohammad Al Qubati, a doctor at the field clinic of the protest camp said that Sana'a was rocked by blasts and gunfire as forces loyal to Saleh battled tribes in northern parts of the city. Dozens were wounded by live gunfire including 12 who are in critical condition.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)