Nutrien to shut Trinidad nitrogen plant indefinitely due to gas supply issues
The Canadian fertilizer giant cites ongoing natural gas supply constraints and uncertainty in Trinidad and Tobago.
SASKATOON — Canadian fertilizer giant Nutrien Ltd. will indefinitely shut its Trinidad nitrogen operations at the Point Lisas facility, citing ongoing natural gas supply constraints and uncertainty in the country.
The world's largest potash producer said the decision followed an extensive review of strategic alternatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
It comes nearly a year after the company began a controlled shutdown of the facility on Oct. 23, 2025, citing port access restrictions imposed by Trinidad and Tobago’s National Energy Corporation and a lack of reliable and economic natural gas supply.
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Nutrien said those challenges had reduced the free cash flow contribution from its Trinidad operations over an extended period, leading it to determine that an indefinite shutdown was the best course of action.
"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.
The company said the move was expected to improve its free cash flow and the return on invested capital.
Production capacity and sales outlook
The company produced about 85,000 metric tons of ammonia and 55,000 metric tons of urea per month at its Trinidad operations.
Nutrien said the shutdown would not affect its 2026 nitrogen sales outlook, with its North American operations expected to meet customer demand.
The company said there would be no impact to its 2026 nitrogen sales volume guidance as it had already assumed no production from its Trinidad nitrogen operations.
"Nutrien remains well positioned to meet customer demand for nitrogen and grow volumes from its North American Nitrogen assets through reliability improvements and low-cost debottleneck projects," the company said in its statement.
Company background
Nutrien is a leading global provider of crop inputs and services.
The company operates a world-class network of production, distribution and ag retail facilities that positions it to efficiently serve the needs of growers.
It focuses on creating long-term value by prioritizing investments that strengthen the advantages of its business across the ag value chain and by maintaining access to the resources and the relationships with stakeholders needed to achieve its goals.
Nitrogen is used in fertilizer, animal feed and in the production of industrial products.
The announcement was made on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
With files from The Canadian Press, BNN Bloomberg and The Globe and Mail