Pipeline Attacks Forces 3.5 Billion Cubic Meters Drop In NLNG Gas Export

…Eight Attacks In One Month Unprecedented

…We Need Help, NLNG Cries Out

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd has recorded a decline in gas exports by over 20 per cent, following frequent attacks on its pipeline infrastructure by vandals.

The attack, which has been described by the company as unprecedented, has led to a huge decline in the country’s gas exports and a massive loss of revenue.

The huge decline in the country’s LNG exports was caused by persistent vandalism and sabotage of pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

The act of sabotage and vandalism has affected gas supplies to its plant, a development that is currently affecting scheduled shipments.

In 2023, Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas exported 17.5 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG). A 20 per cent decrease in exports as a result of vandals implies that supplies had been reduced by about 3.5 billion cubic meters.

Findings by THE WHISTLER revealed that the unprecedented rise in vandalism of NLNG pipeline assets during one month of December last year got to a disturbing level.

It was learned that during that period alone, the company suffered eight incidents of vandalism, including illegal connections.

Further findings showed that unless urgent action is taken to address the situation, the country may experience a further massive decline in gas exports, which would lead to a loss of revenue.

THE WHISTLER understands that given the successes recorded in the existing security framework designed by the NNPC to combat crude theft and associated pipeline vandalism, the NLNG may be seeking full integration into this architecture to safeguard the NLNG Gas Transmission System pipeline infrastructure.

The integration, according to findings, would enable NLNG to work with private security contractors to provide on-ground surveillance and deterrence and strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement.

The NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the loss of facilities due to vandalism and sabotage impacts feed-gas supplies to NLNG and delivery timelines.

Shipments planned for exports next month may be delayed for at least 10 days due to the substantial loss of pipeline vandalism.

In 2022, NLNG declared ‘force majeure,’ that is, it requested to be released from its contractual obligations as it could not guarantee deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control

Horsefall said, “The company continues to engage its feed gas suppliers and relevant government security agencies for improved security regimes for upstream production and transmission.”

Meanwhile, the latest export setback coincides with soaring European demand for LNG, driven by the loss of Russian piped gas and depleting reserves in Europe.

Pipeline Attacks Forces 3.5 Billion Cubic Meters Drop In NLNG Gas Export is first published on The Whistler Newspaper