Gas Leak Ruled Out as Scientists Point to Saronic Gulf Ships or Seabed Upwelling Behind Athens Odor Scare

Greek authorities have ruled out a natural gas leak after a pervasive chemical odor swept across Athens and triggered building evacuations, with scientists now debating whether shipyard operations in the Saronic Gulf or a rare seabed upwelling phenomenon is responsible — and noting the same smell struck the capital in May 2025. Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said emergency crews found no atmospheric breaches after sweeping the city's gas network. "We can now say with safety that there w...

By ANTHEE CARASSAVA