The Libyan National Oil Corporation announced on Tuesday that the daily loss of oil production has reached approximately 130,000 barrels due to the closure of the Zawiya oil complex in northwest Libya. The closure was carried out by a group of personnel from the Petroleum Facilities Guard. The Corporation warned that continued closure could lead to higher losses and risks to the operational and security stability of the complex.
The group closed the gates of the Zawiya Oil Refining Company and the Brega Oil Marketing Company, preventing employees and technicians from entering and changing night shifts. This has hindered the normal operation and maintenance of the facilities. Although one gate was partially reopened later, the main gate of the Zawiya refinery remained closed, making it impossible to resume full operations safely.
The National Oil Corporation expressed concern that prolonged closure could expose the complex to technical, operational, and security risks, potentially causing damage to vital facilities and equipment. This could lead to a complete halt in refining operations and oil supplies, ultimately affecting fuel distribution in the local market and state revenues.
The Corporation urged the authorities and security agencies to assume responsibility for protecting oil facilities and ensuring the safety of employees. They emphasized that oil facilities are national assets and that their continued operation is crucial for the country's security and economy. The Corporation also called on those responsible for the closure to lift it immediately.
This development comes amid ongoing issues with the closure of the valve on the Sharara crude oil pipeline. A group of Petroleum Facilities Guard personnel and an armed group have been blocking the pipeline, leading to a halt in oil production from the Sharara field. The National Oil Corporation warned that if the situation persists, it may declare a force majeure to protect its assets and avoid financial penalties.
The Corporation's management is prepared to take this step within the next few hours if the valve is not reopened. This move aims to protect the Corporation's assets, partners, and avoid financial losses. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Libya's oil sector, which has been affected by protests, security issues, and demands for better working conditions.
Recently, the Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, issued a decision to align the salaries of Petroleum Facilities Guard personnel with those of the military. The Guard has been involved in repeated closures of oil fields and facilities to press for salary increases and improved living conditions. The National Oil Corporation's statement underscores the need for a resolution to these issues to ensure the stability of oil production and the country's economy.
Key points
- The closure of the Zawiya oil complex has resulted in a daily loss of 130,000 barrels of oil production.
- The National Oil Corporation has warned of potential technical, operational, and security risks if the closure continues.
- The Corporation may declare a force majeure if the situation persists, to protect its assets and avoid financial penalties.
