The Ministry of Natural Resources says that the government is “highly disappointed” at ExxonMobil’s failure to resolve a gas compressor problem on its oil platform that has led to flaring of gas and a steep drop in production.
As a result of the most recent setback in the repair of the compressor, ExxonMobil has been forced to cut oil production from 120,000 barrels per day to 30,000 barrels per day.
In a statement last night, the ministry said the government is “currently examining the implications of the loss of output, and consequently loss of income and revenue, including measures that it may have to institute to protect national interest”. It did not elaborate further.