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| Seplat workers on duty |
Seplat Energy Plc has reached a significant milestone by supplying its first batch of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the Bonny River Terminal (BRT) in Rivers State to Nigeria’s domestic market. The shipment, totaling 12,600 metric tons of butane, was loaded in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and marks a pivotal shift from decades of exclusive export of BRT-produced gas under ExxonMobil.
Reducing Nigeria’s LPG Import Dependence
This development is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on LPG imports, which currently account for over 70 percent of domestic demand. Heavy dependence on imports has left households vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations and rising global prices. By delivering locally produced LPG to the domestic market, Seplat aims to improve energy security, stabilize costs, and expand access to cleaner fuels across the country.
CEO Highlights Strategic Importance
Seplat CEO Roger Brown emphasized the critical role of LPG in Nigeria’s energy landscape, stating:
“Gas and LPG use are rising, and reliable supply is critical to energy security, reducing emissions, and improving public health.”
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas drive, underscoring the strategic importance of gas in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Expansion Plans and Economic Impact
Seplat is set to strengthen its gas-led strategy with two new gas plants in Imo and Delta States, scheduled to commence operations in 2025. The expansion is expected to:
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Create downstream economic opportunities in the energy sector.
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Provide millions of households with safer and cleaner cooking alternatives, reducing reliance on firewood and kerosene.
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Contribute to environmental sustainability by curbing deforestation and reducing emissions.
A Step Toward Cleaner and More Secure Energy
The delivery from BRT signifies a transformative step for Nigeria’s domestic energy market, as the country works to maximize local gas resources and ensure affordable, reliable energy for households and industries. By increasing domestic LPG availability, Seplat is not only supporting energy security but also enhancing public health and environmental outcomes.
As the nation continues to expand its domestic gas infrastructure, initiatives like Seplat’s are expected to accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce the economic risks associated with import dependence.
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