Niger: CNSP Authorities Suspend Liquefied Petroleum Gas Exports Until Further Notice
The new authorities of Niger suspended liquefied petroleum gas exports until further notice. Indeed, Niger has been producing oil and liquefied natural gas for some years now. These two hydrocarbons bring in substantial capital for the state. For its electricity needs, Niger is largely dependent on Nigeria.
With the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the volume of supplies from Nigeria has fallen sharply.
As a result, power cuts and other load shedding are causing enormous inconvenience to the population.
To ease the situation, the CNSP authorities have taken a major decision. Niamey has decided to suspend exports of liquefied petroleum gas until further notice, in favour of domestic supplies.
«The export of gas is formally forbidden except with special authorisation, and this until further notice. The national production of liquefied petroleum gas will give priority to supplying the national market», said senior Nigerien officials.
Niger, in collaboration with China, is in the process of finalising the construction of a gigantic pipeline that will enable Niger’s oil and gas to be exported internationally. This project will open up new prospects for the Niger economy.
As well as being rich in hydrocarbons, Niger can also count on its mineral resources to boost its development.
While France categorically refuses to support the CNSP, China is much more flexible. It has reaffirmed its support for the CNSP authorities.
Fayçal BADIE
