(Ecofin Agency) - Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has again shutdown the Trans Niger Pipeline, which carries Bonny Light crude, as a preventive measure after a fire was seen. Operated by SPDC, the 28” pipeline was initially shutdown in June and was later reopened.

The Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) conveys approximately 180,000 bopd to the Bonny Export Terminal and is amongst the gas liquids withdrawal infrastructure. The pipeline is also vital for domestic power generation and liquefied gas exports.

According to an SPDC spokesman, a fire was discovered on the right of way on the Trans Niger Pipeline at Gio in Ogoniland. The pipeline is also the right of way for a Bonny refinery pipeline owned by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).“A joint investigation visit will determine the cause and impact of the fire,” the spokesman said.

Bonny Light crude is also exported through the Nembe Creek Trunk Line.During The weekend, the Niger Delta Avengers attacked a Bonny Light pipeline, putting an end to the ceasefire agreed with the government, Punch News reports.This group has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Nigerian oil infrastructure this year and weakened production.

Anita Fatunji