YENAGOA, Aug 30 (Reuters) - A gas pipeline in Nigeria's
Delta state was shut down on Friday following a breach,
according to state oil company NNPC and local authorities.
Locals in Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South area of Delta state
reported an explosion on the pipeline, though NNPC said the
pipeline was shut down following a leak. Police said they were
investigating the situation.
Two local residents said there was an explosion.
"NPDC are saying that it was a rupture and not fire, but my
men have gone there to find out," said Adeyinka Adeleke, a
senior police officer in Delta state.
NNPC spokesman Ndu Ughamadu said the company had ordered the
pipeline closed following a leak and that repair works would
commence soon.
The pipeline flows from Oil Mining License 34, which is
owned by Nigeria Petroleum Development Co, a subsidiary of NNPC,
and Nigerian company ND Western.
OML 34 produces an average of 390 million standard cubic
feet per day of gas, and 17,000 barrels per day of oil and
condensates.
Gas processed from the field goes into the Escravos-Lagos
Pipeline, which feeds Egbin power plant, the largest in Nigeria.