The UN Support Mission in Libya has expressed concern over the continued shutdown of the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline, warning of potential international punitive measures. In a statement, the mission said any attacks on oil and energy infrastructure could lead to sanctions under UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2213 of 2015. The mission emphasized that the shutdown negatively impacts Libya's main national income source and causes significant losses in oil production and public revenues.
The mission noted that prolonged shutdowns would increase the need for fuel imports, putting additional pressure on public finances. It called on all parties to protect oil and energy facilities, ensure the safe passage of technical and operational staff, and enable them to carry out maintenance work. The mission acknowledged the right of workers to peacefully express their legitimate social and economic demands.
The UN mission stressed that oil infrastructure, the energy sector, and public resources must remain separate from political and security conflicts. It urged the parties to resolve their differences peacefully, in the interest of the Libyan people. The mission also called on the relevant authorities and security agencies to take urgent action to resolve the disputes surrounding the shutdown peacefully.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Saturday that it had shut down one of the refining units at the Zawiya refinery due to the continued forced closure of the Sharara crude oil pipeline. The NOC warned that the shutdown would have significant consequences for oil production at the Sharara field and the crude stockpile at the Zawiya refinery.
According to the NOC, the daily loss in production from the Sharara field was 129,085 barrels on Monday, rising to 259,349 barrels on Tuesday, before falling to 235,983 barrels on Wednesday and 237,937 barrels on Thursday. The corporation warned that continued shutdowns would lead to increased losses, potentially affecting the refinery units at Zawiya.
The NOC reported that the financial losses resulting from the continued shutdown of the pipeline had exceeded $75 million. The corporation emphasized that further shutdowns could have direct consequences for the refinery units at Zawiya, as the crude stockpile in its tanks nears depletion.
The UN mission's statement and the NOC's warnings highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis surrounding the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline. The shutdown has significant implications for Libya's economy, oil production, and energy sector.
Key points
- The UN Support Mission in Libya warns of potential international punitive measures if the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline shutdown continues.
- The National Oil Corporation reports that financial losses from the shutdown have exceeded $75 million.
- The shutdown has significant implications for Libya's economy, oil production, and energy sector.
