Oil and gas eruption in Niger

A major eruption of crude oil and gas occurred on September 25 at the Goumeri W8 oil well in the Agadem region of Niger, approximately 1,700 kilometers from the capital, Niamey. The incident involved a powerful jet of oil and gas rising more than ten meters into the air, with a large pool of crude oil spreading over several hundred meters on the ground.

Authorities assess the situation

Niger’s Ministry of Petroleum described the incident as one of "exceptional severity," and authorities indicated on Monday that the situation was partially controlled but not yet fully under control. Television news broadcasts showed the dramatic scene, with oil spewing into the air and spreading across the ground.

Investigation into the cause

The causes of the eruption have not been fully established, though the ministry ruled out any criminal or terrorist involvement. An investigation has been opened with the assistance of Algerian experts, and an independent inquiry into the causes and responsibilities is underway.

Operator of the site

The Goumeri W8 oil well is operated by CNPC Niger Petroleum, a local subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned oil company China National Petroleum Corporation. Niger has produced oil since 2011 and extracts and refines several tens of thousands of barrels per day.

Security and political context

Since the 2023 coup, Niger has been ruled by a military regime. Additionally, an armed group opposed to the authorities is carrying out sporadic attacks against the approximately 2,000-kilometer pipeline that transports Nigerien crude oil to Benin on the Atlantic coast.

Ministry’s response

Abdoulkarim Mohamed Ali, Secretary General of the Ministry of Petroleum, stated that all responsibilities will be established and assumed, and all damages will be covered in accordance with current regulations.