SPDC had reduced volumes of flared gas by more than 75% between 2002 and 2013. Flaring intensity (the amount of gas flared per barrel of oil produced) fell by almost 60% over the same period. SPDC remains committed to further reducing the volume and intensity of gas flaring with a number of associated gas-gathering projects which are all currently in development. Further progress to reduce flaring needs sustained commitment and funding by all joint-venture partners, together with safe access to install the equipment.
However, in 2014, an increase in levels of oil production has resulted in the volumes of flared gas increasing by 12% over the year, and an increase of 9% in flaring intensity. A challenging operating environment and shortfalls in funding from the government-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company have resulted in delays to the completion of a number of gas-gathering projects.
