Kejan Haynes
After almost a year of idling its Point Lisas nitrogen plant, Nutrien is shutting down its Trinidad operations, with staff being informed today that retrenchment is about to begin.
The Canadian fertiliser giant announced Monday that it will indefinitely shut down its Trinidad Nitrogen operations following a review of its strategic options, citing ongoing natural gas constraints and uncertainty.
Guardian Media understands that meetings are being held with staff today to inform them of the impending retrenchment.
The company said the decision was the best option to improve free cash flow and returns on invested capital.
Nutrien had already implemented a controlled shutdown of the Point Lisas facility on October 23, 2025, after citing restrictions on access to port facilities and a lack of reliable and economic natural gas supplies.
The shutdown was initially described as temporary, with Nutrien saying it would continue engaging with stakeholders and assess options for its Trinidad operations.
About 350 contract workers were sent home within days of the shutdown, while Nutrien’s permanent employees remained on the job.
By January, however, the situation had deteriorated further. NGC moved to isolate the gas meters serving Nutrien’s Point Lisas facility after the company’s gas supply arrangement expired on January 1, effectively cutting off its gas supply and access to port operations. At the time, Guardian Media reported that about 400 permanent employees and 100 contractors remained attached to the operation.
Nutrien subsequently continued its strategic review, including consideration of a possible sale of the facility. The company had said there was no predetermined outcome and that all options remained under consideration.
Now, almost a year after production stopped, Nutrien says the Trinidad operation will be shut down indefinitely.
“We greatly appreciate the contributions and dedication of our Trinidad team and are committed to managing the transition responsibly and safely,” said Dean Perkins, Nutrien’s senior vice-president, Upstream, Nitrogen and Proprietary Product Operations in a media release.
Nutrien said the decision will have no impact on its 2026 nitrogen sales volume guidance because its forecast had already assumed no production from Trinidad.
The company said it remains well positioned to meet customer demand and grow nitrogen volumes through its North American nitrogen operations.
Guardian Media has reached out to the Government for a response to Nutrien’s decision and the impending retrenchment of staff.
