The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Tuesday that a group of personnel from the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) had closed down the Zawiya oil complex, located northwest of the country. The closure has prevented the entry of all users and technicians, and hindered the replacement of night shifts responsible for operating the complex. The NOC urged the relevant authorities and security agencies to assume their national and legal responsibilities in protecting oil facilities and ensuring the safety of workers.
According to the NOC, the closure has exposed the complex's operations to unforeseen technical, operational, and security risks, compromising general safety standards and threatening severe damage to vital facilities and equipment. The shutdown of the complex may also disrupt refining operations and oil supplies, ultimately affecting the country's revenue and exacerbating the daily struggles of its citizens.
The NOC emphasized that continued obstruction would lead to a complete halt in operations at the complex, directly impacting fuel supplies and state revenues. Furthermore, it warned that this could create difficulties in importing and distributing petroleum products in the local market, driving up costs and increasing the financial burden on citizens.
The NOC called on those responsible for the closure to exercise reason and wisdom, prioritizing the nation's interests and immediately lifting all forms of obstruction. This would enable technical, operational, and administrative teams to carry out their duties effectively. The NOC also noted that these developments coincided with the ongoing closure of valve number 7 in the Hamada area, which has halted the transportation of crude oil from the Sharara field.
The NOC reported that the daily loss due to the closure had reached approximately 130,000 barrels, with expectations that this figure would continue to rise if the shutdown persisted. The corporation stressed that oil and its related infrastructure belong to all Libyan citizens and that maintaining their operation is essential for protecting national assets and security.
In light of these events, the NOC's board of directors is preparing to declare a "force majeure" situation in the coming hours if the valve is not opened. This measure aims to safeguard the corporation's assets and partners, avoid financial penalties, and protect the country's contractual obligations.
The shutdown of Libya's oil facilities has significant implications for the country's economy and stability. The NOC's pleas to the authorities to intervene and protect oil facilities highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- The Libyan National Oil Corporation urges authorities to protect oil facilities and ensure worker safety.
- Closure of the Zawiya oil complex may disrupt fuel supplies and impact state revenues.
- Daily oil losses due to the closure have reached approximately 130,000 barrels.
