Shell has closed the Trans Niger Pipeline because of a leak – just days after it was reopened following thefts.
The move will mean the loss of around 150,000 barrels of oil per day from Nigeria after thieves reportedly targeted the line again.
The company said it had closed the Trans Niger Pipeline “as a result of a confirmed leak on this line at the Bomu-Bonny section at Owokiri.
With the 28-inch TNP already shut in for removal of illegal oil theft connections, a total of about 150,000 barrels per day of oil have been deferred.”
The Anglo-Dutch oil giant said it details behind the latest closure were unclear, but added that the pipeline had been targeted by crude oil thieves in recent months.
Shell have previous had to shut down the pipeline to remove illegal syphons installed by thieves, most recently last month when an explosion and fire broke out at a point in the Niger Delta where thieves had tapped into the line, reopening just eight days ago.