(Ecofin Agency) - The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has shut its Trans Niger pipeline (TNP) due to a leak. The company in a statement on Monday, said the pipeline which is capable of carrying 180,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day was shut last Friday, following a leakage at B-Dere in Ogoniland, southeast Nigeria.

The cause of the leak is unknown but SPDC said investigations are being carried out and efforts are ongoing to repair the pipeline.

The TNP feeds the Bonny Light export terminal, which has a production capacity of 225,000 barrels per day of oil. The line has repeatedly been attacked by militants and oil thieves.

Shell earlier this month, also declared force majeure on Bonny Light exports after the Nembe Creek Trunk Line was shut down by its operator Aiteo. Until last week loadings continued via the Trans Niger Pipeline.

Anita Fatunji