NUPRC Attributes 3% Decline in Oil Output to PENGASSAN Strike

Nigeria’s crude oil production declined by 3.09% in September 2025, falling to an average of 1.581 million barrels per day (bpd), down from 1.63 million bpd in August, according to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In a statement issued Saturday by its Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission attributed the dip primarily to a three-day strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which disrupted operations at several upstream and export facilities toward the end of the month.

The NUPRC clarified that the September figure comprises 1.39 million bpd of crude oil (excluding condensates) and 191,373 bpd of condensate. This crude oil output fell short of Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd and also marked a decline from August’s 1.43 million bpd.

“The industrial action led to the temporary shutdown of key production and export infrastructure,” the Commission noted, adding that scheduled turnaround maintenance at two strategic facilities further contributed to the reduced output.

Despite the monthly setback, the NUPRC reported a modest year-on-year improvement: total crude oil and condensate production for September 2025 stood at 47.43 million barrels, representing a 1.61% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Average daily production in September 2025 (1.581 million bpd) slightly exceeded the 1.55 million bpd recorded in September 2024.

The Commission emphasized that, even with the disruptions, Nigeria maintained crude oil production at 93% of its OPEC allocation. Daily output during the month fluctuated between a low of 1.35 million bpd and a peak of 1.81 million bpd.

In its breakdown of production by major crude streams, the NUPRC revealed that Forcados Blend led contributions at 15.86% of total output, followed by Bonny Light at 13.31%. Other significant contributors included Qua Iboe (9.88%), Escravos Light (8.96%), Bonga Crude (6.83%), Agbami Condensate (4.94%), Erha Crude (4.55%), and Amenam Blend (4.20%).

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing production and minimizing operational disruptions, urging stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and industrial harmony to safeguard Nigeria’s upstream performance.