Shell May Shut Down Production Over Increasing Oil Theft

Shell Production and Development Company (SDPC),  Nigeria’s joint venture partner in the production of crude, has threatened to shut down its Nember creek trunk line owing to the increased cases of oil theft.

Mr Mutiu Sumonu, country chairman of SPDC, said that the volume being stolen is in the excess of over 60,000 barrels per day, forcing the company to often shut down daily operation.

Apart from the economic loss to the country, the level of environmental devastation is also raising to a worrisome height.

Between February 22nd and 25 this year, the company said 12 flow stations  producing into the NCTL was shut down three times due to oil theft and consequently resulting in the deferment of 150,000bpd .

The illegal activity of these oil thieves which is without regards for the impact of their criminal activity on the people have caused what can be referred to as an environmental tragedy for the inhabitants of these regions and their generations to come.

Krakama and Awoba communities have the highest cases of oil theft and illegal refineries