The temporary closure of the Trans Forcados pipeline facility in Delta State could cost Nigeria 250,000 barrels of crude oil a day.

Following the fire incident which occurred at a section of the installation on Sunday, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) says the facility will remain closed temporarily.

Shell manages the Trans Forcados crude oil terminal while Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited operates the pipeline affected.

Collins Edema, a resident of Yeye community, Burutu local government area of the state said as at Tuesday, the “fire is still raging”.

“The pipeline is long due for replacement and leaks from time to time.

“Repairs were going on there on a leaking portion when the fire broke out, burning the pipeline, the pumping machine and other equipment the contractors were using for repairs,” Edema added.

In December 2018 alone, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) revealed that the country lost about N288 billion($800 million) due to incessant breaches on the Trans Forcados Pipeline.