Nigeria’s Trans Niger pipeline shutdown following blast

Nigeria’s Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), a key crude oil transportation route to the Bonny export terminal, has been shut down following an explosion that triggered a fire, police confirmed on Tuesday.

Renaissance Group, the new owner of Shell’s former onshore subsidiary that operates the pipeline, earlier acknowledged the blast in Rivers State and dispatched a team to investigate, according to a report by Reuters.

According to a statement from Rivers State police, the situation is now under control, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Monday night explosion.

“As part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage, two individuals have been taken in for questioning,” the police stated.

It remains unclear how long the pipeline will remain out of operation. However, if the shutdown is prolonged, operators may be forced to declare force majeure on Bonny Light crude exports.

Pipeline sabotage and crude oil theft have long plagued Nigeria’s oil industry, contributing to the exit of major international firms like Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, and Eni from onshore and shallow-water operations in favor of deep-water exploration.

Renaissance Group, a consortium of Nigerian exploration and production companies, including Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith, ND Western, and international energy firm Petroline, finalized the acquisition of Shell’s former onshore assets last week.

The Trans Niger Pipeline, with a capacity of approximately 450,000 barrels per day, is one of two key conduits for exporting Bonny Light crude from Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer.