The Libyan oil export port of Hariga has ceased operations due to a lack of crude supplies, according to engineers at the terminal. The stoppage is linked to the near-total shutdown of the Sarir oilfield, the main supplier to Hariga. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Libya’s eastern and western political factions, which have led to the closure of most of the country’s oilfields.
The eastern-based administration, which controls the majority of Libya’s oil production, is demanding that western authorities step back from their attempt to replace the central bank governor—a position crucial to controlling oil revenue in the country. The ongoing dispute over the central bank threatens to destabilize Libya further.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that recent oilfield closures have resulted in the loss of approximately 63% of the country’s total oil production. In July, Libya was producing about 1.18 million barrels per day, with Sarir typically contributing around 209,000 barrels per day.
