OpeOluwani Akintayo
04 November 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Nembe Creek Trunk Line, NCTL operated by Aiteo, has been sabotaged, SweetcrudeReports has learnt.
According to a source close to the situation, the sabotage took place towards October ending, about same time the line was reopened after lifting of the force majeure.
A statement from Aiteo in September, had hinted about an oil leak discovered on September 15, prompting the firm to declare a force majeure on the line for emergency repairs.
However, SweetcrudeReports learnt that the force majeure was due to be lifted by October ending as all repairs and maintenance were already concluded.
True to our report, the line we learnt, was reopened for business towards October ending.
But in twist, SweetcrudeReports gathered that exporting activities through the line were cut short as a result of the sabotage, prompting Aiteo declaring another round of force majeure.
However, the company has been hushed about making the occurrence public.
“We suspect sabotage”, our source said.
When asked whether the leak was at same point where the last one occurred he said “no”.
Our source did not however inform when the line would be reopened.
“Repairs have started already”, he added.
The Nembe line exports 150, 000 barrels per day of crude oil.
Nigeria’s crude oil output would have shored up above 2 million barrels per day if the line had come back on stream.
The country currently produces 1.88 million barrels per day.
Resumption of activities on the line will increase production and exports from Nigeria, likewise adding to output by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, which could jeopardize efforts to reduce glut to boost oil prices.
Oil price had increased to $60 per barrel October ending for the first time since July 2015.
Aside the 150,000b/d exported through NCTL, it equally has the capacity to evacuate up to 600,000b/d of liquids from the end point at Cawthorne Channel.