SHELL DECLARES FORCE MAJEURE AT BONNY TERMINAL

UNCLAS LAGOS 002560

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR/BLEVINE
STATE FOR DS/IP/AF
STATE FOR INR/AA
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY
STATE PASS TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS AND SRENANDER
STATE PASS DOC PHUEPER
STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION MARAD
STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ
STATE PASS EX-IM FOR JRICHTER
STATE PASS OPIC FOR CDUFFY
STATE PASS TDA FOR BTERNET

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EPET EINV NI ENERG
SUBJECT: SHELL DECLARES FORCE MAJEURE AT BONNY TERMINAL

REF: A) LAGOS 1978 B) LAGOS 2446


1. (U) Shell Head of Media and Communications Bisi
Ojediran confirmed to us that Shell has declared force
majeure at Bonny Terminal, due to community disruptions in
the eastern Niger Delta in Ekulama and Egbema. Ojediran
also confirmed press reports that about 114,000 barrels per
day (bpd) of Nigerian Bonny Light crude would be halted --
70,000 bpd from Ekulama and 44,000 bpd at Egbema. Ojediran
indicated the communities have not made physical threats
against Shell or its workers, and on-going discussions with
the community have been peaceful, but slow with little
progress. As per reftels, the dispute between Shell and
community members in Ekulama has been on-going, and has
caused previous supply disruptions in the past few months.

BROWNE