The National Oil Corporation (NOC) in Libya has declared a “force majeure” on the Sharara oilfield starting from today, Sunday, due to its closure by protesters.
In a statement, the NOC stated that the closure has resulted in the halt of crude oil supplies from the field to the Zawiya port. Negotiations are currently ongoing in an attempt to resume production as soon as possible.
Last Tuesday, demonstrators in Fezzan closed the Sharara oilfield, which has a production capacity of 300,000 barrels per day, after the authorities failed to respond to their demands within the stipulated timeframe.
According to Libyan newspaper “Al-Wasat,” the protesters’ demands include resolving service deficiencies, fuel and gas shortages, and they hold the National Oil Corporation and responsible governments fully accountable if their demands are not met.
In response, the Temporary National Unity Government clarified that the Minister of Local Governance, Badr al-Din al-Toumi, coordinated with the Brega Company to increase the quantities of fuel directed to the Sabha depot during a meeting with several mayors from southern municipalities last Thursday.
On Saturday, the Brega Oil Marketing Company announced the transfer of two and a half million liters of gasoline from the Misrata depot to the Sabha depot.
The declaration of “force majeure” on the Sharara oilfield underscores the challenges Libya continues to face in maintaining stable oil production and distribution amid ongoing protests and demands for improved services and resources.
The situation remains fluid, and efforts are underway to resolve the issues and resume oil production.
