Forcados opening still happening ;)28 Sep 2016 09:49
Shell shut down the Trans Niger pipeline (TNP) after a fire broke out on its supply lines as a precautionary measure, a spokesman for the company said. It is, however, preparing to restart operation of the Forcados terminal following seven months of force majeure. The force majeure was declared after the NDA bombed an underwater pipeline feeding oil into the terminal.
Vandals and oil thieves have repeatedly attacked the pipe. Shell said it would investigate whether the fire was the result of an attack by one of the local armed groups, though Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for an attack nearby.
This pipeline shut down comes less than five days after the NDA claimed that it brought down oil productions activities at the Bonny 48 in. crude oil export line.
The Financial Times reported that the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, said that the army might be required in the Delta region.
Nigerian oil production has sunk from 2.1 million barrels a day in the first quarter to 1.7 million barrels in the face of repeated militant attacks, Punch reported.