Crude Oil Losses Hit 16-Year Low as NUPRC Releases Latest Data
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has recorded its lowest crude oil losses in nearly 16 years, following the release of new figures by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
According to the report, crude oil losses from theft and metering challenges were reduced to 9,600 barrels per day (bpd) in July 2025, the lowest since 2009 when daily losses dropped to 8,500 bpd.
Between January and July 2025, total crude oil losses were contained at 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 bpd. This represents a 50.2% reduction compared to the 4.1 million barrels lost in the entire year of 2024, which averaged 11,300 bpd.
The latest figures also highlight a remarkable improvement when compared with 2021, when Nigeria recorded its worst year in over two decades with 37.6 million barrels lost—an average of 102,900 bpd. By contrast, losses in the first seven months of 2025 were down by 94.57%, representing a difference of 35.56 million barrels within just four years.
Progress has been steady since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021. Losses declined from 37.6 million barrels in 2021 to 20.9 million barrels in 2022, further dropping to 4.3 million barrels in 2023, and 4.1 million barrels in 2024.
NUPRC attributed the milestone to a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. The Commission has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, operators, and host communities to secure oil infrastructure, while also closing regulatory loopholes through initiatives such as metering audits across upstream facilities.
Additionally, under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission recently approved 37 new crude oil evacuation routes as part of its measures to curb theft and safeguard production.
NUPRC reaffirmed its commitment to achieving zero tolerance for crude oil losses, stressing that the ongoing reforms will sustain Nigeria’s production capacity while boosting revenue for national development.
Comments