Nigerian militant group the Niger Delta Avengers said it attacked an oil pipeline in Nigeria's restive southern energy hub on Oct. 25 and warned international oil companies (IOCs) not to carry out repairs on damaged energy infrastructure.
Nigeria's oil output, typically close to 2.2 million barrels per day (MMbbl/d), fell to less than 1.3 MMbbl/d this spring as militants bombed energy facilities. But, amid a ceasefire announced by the Avengers in August, the petroleum ministry said oil production had risen to 1.9 MMbbl/d.
The Avengers, which declared the break in hostilities to pursue talks with the government, said on its website that the group "took down Chevron (NYSE: CVX) Escravos export pipeline at Escravos offshore" at around 3:45 a.m. (4:45 GMT).
"This action is to further warn all IOCs that when we warn that there should be no repairs pending negotiation/dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta, it means there should be no repairs," it said on its website.
Collins Edema, a local community leader, said: "We heard of it at the offshore but no one can ascertain the extent of the damage." A Chevron spokeswoman could not immediately be reached.
The group has said it wants a greater share of the OPEC member's wealth to go to the Niger Delta, where most of the country's crude is produced. Government sources told Reuters the government would hold a meeting with community leaders and militant representatives next week.
It said any attempt to use talks with the government as a distraction "will halt the dialogue process". It is the first attack claimed by the Avengers since late September, when it said it attacked a crude export line as a "wake-up call."
Recommended Reading
E&P Earnings Season Proves Up Stronger Efficiencies, Profits
2024-04-04 - The 2024 outlook for E&Ps largely surprises to the upside with conservative budgets and steady volumes.
CEO: Coterra ‘Deeply Curious’ on M&A Amid E&P Consolidation Wave
2024-02-26 - Coterra Energy has yet to get in on the large-scale M&A wave sweeping across the Lower 48—but CEO Tom Jorden said Coterra is keeping an eye on acquisition opportunities.
Endeavor Integration Brings Capital Efficiency, Durability to Diamondback
2024-02-22 - The combined Diamondback-Endeavor deal is expected to realize $3 billion in synergies and have 12 years of sub-$40/bbl breakeven inventory.
Exxon, Chevron Tapping Permian for Output Growth in ‘24
2024-02-02 - Exxon Mobil and Chevron plan to tap West Texas and New Mexico for oil and gas production growth in 2024, the U.S. majors reported in their latest earnings.
Patterson-UTI Braces for Activity ‘Pause’ After E&P Consolidations
2024-02-19 - Patterson-UTI saw net income rebound from 2022 and CEO Andy Hendricks says the company is well positioned following a wave of E&P consolidations that may slow activity.