Summary:

 On 25 February 2025, the media advisor to the Mauritanian Minister of Petroleum and Energy stated that a gas leak occurring at the A2 well of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore site would be classified as minor and was under control. 

The Minister added that the leak had no direct impact on other production activities in other parts of the GTA site.  

These statements came days after Mauritanian and Arab media outlets reported on the gas leak which was discovered amidst the announcement of the first shipment of liquified gas from the GTA field, which is operated by British Petroleum (BP). 

Reports indicated that the leak started on 19 February, but BP refrained from informing the public about the incident. Some reports indicated that BP distributed an internal memo to its employees to not respond to media inquiries after the news if it was leaked to the public.  

Outlook: 

Official statements were likely intended to reassure the public and international partners that are becoming more interested in Mauritanian energy potential since the first LNG shipment from GTA. 

The GTA project is a first step in Mauritanian plans to become a hub for gas exporting and the leak may raise concerns about future projects due to potential operational challenges and environmental impacts. 

As fishing remains an important economic sector for Mauritania, accounting for 35 to 50 percent of its exports, fears are likely to increase if the leak is not quickly resolved as it could impact fish habitats and fishing areas. 

BP is likely to face more pressure as the government ordered the opening of an investigation into the cause of the leak and observers are calling for the government to take action to identify those responsible.  

The handling of the incident by BP is likely to raise criticism, and it risks additional reputational damage as media outlets denounced the firm’s silence as the leak unfolded.

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.