Niger Resumes Crude Oil Exports Via Benin Amid Political Dispute Resolution

After a period of halted crude oil exports due to a political dispute with Benin, Niger has resumed oil flow through a Chinese-funded pipeline. The pipeline, managed by Wapco, extends over 2,000 km from Niger to Benin's coast. The Aura M tanker has loaded one million barrels of oil bound for China.

Niger has resumed crude oil exports through a pipeline to Benin after a political dispute had previously halted the flow. According to a West African Gas Pipeline Company (Wapco) agent, the conflict stemmed from Niger's ban on imports from Benin, causing Benin to block oil exports earlier this year.

The Aura M, a Liberian-flagged tanker, loaded around one million barrels of Nigerien oil at a Benin port and departed for China. Ship tracking data confirmed that the vessel left on Tuesday and is expected to reach its destination by October 10.

The Wapco-operated pipeline, which began operations earlier this year, runs nearly 2,000 km from Niger's Agadem oilfield to Benin's coast. The route faced additional challenges when an anti-government group in Niger sabotaged the pipeline in June, causing minor damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)