Nigeria Pipeline Recent disruptions in Nigeria’s oil production has been a major factor behind the latest rally in crude oil prices, but changes in the domestic political climate and a recent influx of new investment looks to change that, with possible ramifications on the crude price for later this year. Since March, Nigeria has struggled with an insurgency in the Niger Delta region, where the bulk of its oil and natural gas industry is located. Violence in the Niger River Delta escalated when the Nigerian government, under tremendous financial pressure due to the collapse in oil prices since 2014, cut subsidies to militia groups and ended its traditional protection of oil facilities. The violence reflects both the worsening economic conditions and historic grievances of groups living in the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group that emerged officially in March 2016, has been attacking oil refineries […]