Eni confirms gas leak on its pipeline in Bayelsa, decries production losses

Eni, the parent company of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has confirmed that the gas leak on its facility in Bayelsa state was caused by vandalism. 

TheCable had reported that the Ogboinbiri pipeline leak, Azikoro, a community in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa state, occurred after a blast. 

According to Reuters, Eni, on Thursday, said the rupture in the pipeline had caused a leak and production losses. 

A spokesperson said “third parties” had cut the pipeline with a hacksaw.

“The line is depressurised and is currently being repaired. Production losses due to the shutdown are important,” the spokesperson said.

Idris Musa, director-general, NOSDRA, had said the leak was due to vandalism after some yet-to-be-identified persons detonated dynamite on the pipeline. 

“It was an explosion. The leak was due to third-party interference. Some people used dynamite on it,” he had said.

The destruction of the gas pipeline has adversely affected Nigeria’s gas export feed — dipping it. 

Oil and gas output in Nigeria has fallen due to theft and vandalism of pipelines. Consequently, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited had said its terminal at Bonny Island was operating at 60 percent capacity.

The government of Portugal had said it could face gas supply challenges this winter if Nigeria does not deliver all the liquefied natural gas (LNG) volumes due to its country. 

Eni, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Shell and TotalEnergies own shares in Nigeria LNG.