ChevronTexaco To Return

U.S. company ChevronTexaco is prepared to return to Nigeria's delta region after abandoning operations during heightened conflict in the country.

Unfortunately, the flow stations responsible for nearly a third of ChevronTexaco's output in Nigeria are so badly damaged that the company may need another 12-18 months to fully recover.

The two main flow stations at Olero Creek and Dibi are reported to be completely vandalised and looted.

Chevron still has about 140,000 barrels per day from a total capacity of 440,000 bpd shut off after an increase in ethnic violence in the delta last March. Olero Creek and Dibi account for 80,000-90,000 bpd.