Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 22, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR.TO), the world’s leading potash producer, announced on Tuesday that it has begun a controlled shutdown of its nitrogen operations in Trinidad, located at the Point Lisas facility, effective October 23. The company cited port access restrictions by Trinidad and Tobago’s National Energy Corporation and limited availability of reliable and economical natural gas as the main factors influencing the decision.

The head office of Nutrien, a leading global provider of crop inputs and services in downtown Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada April 20, 2025.

According to Nutrien, the ongoing challenges related to gas supply have gradually reduced the site’s free cash flow, prompting the company to initiate a temporary shutdown while evaluating long-term solutions. The company stated that it will continue discussions with key stakeholders, including government and industry partners, to assess possible options for maintaining its presence and operations in Trinidad.

Nutrien’s Trinidad operations have been a significant part of its global nitrogen production network, producing around 85,000 tonnes of ammonia and 55,000 tonnes of urea each month. The company emphasized that despite the suspension of activities at Point Lisas, it expects to meet its 2025 annual nitrogen sales target of 10.7 million to 11.2 million tonnes, supported by stable performance across its North American production facilities.

In its statement, Nutrien highlighted that the port restrictions imposed by the National Energy Corporation have limited the company’s ability to export products efficiently. Combined with an inconsistent gas supply, these constraints have affected the cost-effectiveness and reliability of its Trinidad operations. The company described the shutdown as a necessary step to protect financial performance and operational sustainability while maintaining supply commitments through its other assets.

Nutrien remains one of the largest global suppliers of crop nutrients, including potash, nitrogen, and phosphate, serving agricultural markets worldwide. Its nitrogen segment plays a key role in producing ammonia, urea, and other nitrogen-based fertilizers essential for crop growth.

The company reiterated that it will closely monitor market conditions and continue to evaluate opportunities to optimize its nitrogen network. While the controlled shutdown will temporarily affect local production, Nutrien aims to minimize disruption to customers and maintain a balanced global supply through its facilities in North America and other regions.

The decision reflects ongoing challenges in Trinidad’s energy sector, where natural gas supply limitations have affected several industrial producers in recent years. Nutrien’s continued dialogue with local authorities and partners will focus on addressing these issues and exploring future options for the Point Lisas site.