PORT OF SPAN, Trinidad - Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Dr Roodal Moonilal, has described as “unfortunate the decision of the Canadian-based fertiliser giant, Nutrien Ltd to shut down its Trinidad Nitrogen operations at the Point Lisas Facility here following an extensive review of strategic alternatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Nutrien facility at Point Lisas (File Photo)“We have taken note of the media reports regarding the indefinite shutdown of operations by Nutrien at Point Lisas. The decision taken by Nutrien is unfortunate,” Moonilal told the Trinidad Express newspaper.
On Monday Nutrien said that “due to ongoing natural gas constraints and uncertainty, this was determined to be the optimal path to enhance free cash flow and return on invested capital".
The company said it has previously implemented a “controlled shutdown” of the facility on October 23, 2025, in response to port access restrictions and a lack of reliable and economic natural gas supply that reduced the free cash flow contribution of the Trinidad Nitrogen operations over an extended period of time.
“We greatly appreciate the contributions and dedication of our Trinidad team and are committed to managing the transition responsibly and safely,” said Dean Perkins, Senior Vice President, Upstream, Nitrogen and Proprietary Product Operations.
But Moonilal told the newspaper that the Kamla Persad Bissessar government, through the National Gas Company (NGC), had been in discussions with Nutrien since October 2025 to resolve issues surrounding the continued operation of the PCS Nitrogen complex.
“Those efforts will continue on the part of the Government,” he said, disputing Nutrien’s explanation that the shutdown was driven by natural gas constraints.
Moonilal said that the company’s decision was instead motivated by “the desire to extract a margin that is suitable to their shareholders.
“The government is compelled to act in the best interest of their shareholders, the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said, adding that NGC had made every effort to keep the facility operating, including making an offer to purchase the PCS Nitrogen complex.
Moonilal said the plant is an important asset and its restart is a priority for the government, whether with Nutrien or a new operator.
“At all material times, the National Gas Company has engaged with Nutrien in good faith. They were invited to engage with the NGC for the supply of gas to the facility but refused to accept that invitation.
“It is unfortunate that the pursuit of profit has trumped the best interests of this country, the energy sector and the citizens who have in some cases given their entire professional career and adult lives to Nutrien.”
Moonilal said Nutrien’s decision would prompt the government to pursue discussions “in a more aggressive manner” with existing stakeholders and potential investors, with the aim of restarting the facility.
“We are working to rebuild the domestic energy sector and through this we intend to mitigate the impacts of the decision by Nutrien,” he said, adding that the government wanted the Point Lisas facility operating again “in the not-too-distant future”.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has also defended the position taken by NGC saying that it must act in the best interests of its own workforce.
She told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper that NGC has a duty to make decisions that safeguard its employees.
“NGC has to make decisions to ensure NGC doesn’t have to send its workers home and NGC has done so,” she said, adding that “the government respects the rights of both NGC and Nutrien to run their businesses as they see fit.”
She also dismissed suggestions that Nutrien’s departure reflected a failure by her government.
“Nutrien has to run their business how they see fit to satisfy their shareholders. I have no problem with their decision to shut down their plants. I wish them the best,” she said, adding
“NGC must run its business to ensure the citizens of this country get maximum return from gas sales.”
Earlier, former energy minister Stuart Young blamed the government for the closure of the company saying the closure underscores the “ incompetence” of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) led coalition “in managing our delicate and important energy sector”.
He said that the closure of Nutrient will result in “a loss of foreign exchange, massive loss of jobs, not only at the plants but all associated service providers as well”
Nutrien said said that there will be no impact to its 2026 Nitrogen sales volume guidance as the company assumed no production from its Trinidad Nitrogen operations.
Last year, Nutrient, which states that it operates a world-class network of production, distribution and retail facilities, had “shut down” its operations resulting in an estimated 350 contract workers being sent home while Nutrien’s permanent employees remained on the job.
