Exxon Mobil has suspended exports from the country’s top crude stream, they gave reasons to economic strains from unrest and violence in the Niger-Delta region.
According to Reuters, Exxon Mobil on Friday, declared a force majeure – a suspension of deliveries because of events beyond its control – on Nigeria’s Qua Iboe crude oil grade, and that a portion of production had been curtailed.
Exxon Mobil said on it had reduced output after a drilling rig damaged a pipeline.
If outages at Qua Iboe and other streams are prolonged, Nigeria’s output could fall to around 1.2 million barrels per day, according to Reuters calculations. This would be the lowest output since 1970, according to BP’s statistical review.
Early this week, Royal Dutch Shell’s declared a force majeure on Bonny Light crude exports as a result of a leak that led to the closure of Nembe Creek Trunk line for repairs by the operator, Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Ltd.
The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) had on Thursday issued a warning to oil companies, announcing the beginning of their campaign.
This was the same group that claimed responsibility for knocking Chevron’s operations in the Niger Delta offline.
The group said the attacks came after issuing an ultimatum to the Nigerian government about developments in the Niger Delta.