Libya’s eastern government may declare force majeure on oil fields and ports due to ongoing assaults on the National Oil Corporation. The NOC denies reports of a security breach, asserting that operations are running normally. Oil production, currently at 1.3 million barrels per day, has faced disruptions often since the country’s division post-Gaddafi.
Libya’s eastern government is on the brink of declaring force majeure on its oil fields and ports. This potential announcement comes amid claims of repeated assaults against the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The government based in Benghazi, which lacks international recognition, controls most of the oil fields in Libya, a significant oil producer.
The officials have also indicated plans to possibly relocate the NOC’s headquarters to safer locations. Cities like Ras Lanuf and Brega—regions under the eastern government—are being considered. The NOC is currently situated in Tripoli, governed by the internationally acknowledged Government of National Unity (GNU).
Interestingly, the NOC has denied allegations that its headquarters was stormed. They labeled these claims as “completely false” and reassured that operations are continuing without any interruption. The acting head of the NOC, Hussain Safar, claimed the incident referenced was merely a minor personal dispute that was swiftly managed by security personnel — with no consequences for operations or employee safety.
Moreover, GNU’s media office released footage showing stable conditions inside the NOC’s headquarters, countering claims of any security disturbances. For context, Libya’s oil production has faced numerous disruptions since a major political split occurred after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
Last August, production plummeted—over 700,000 barrels per day were lost as a political standoff slowed operations. Exports from several ports had to be halted, and these shutdowns continued for more than a month. Thankfully, production began picking up again in early October, and as of now, Libya’s crude oil production is at about 1.3 million barrels per day, according to the NOC.
In summary, Libya’s eastern government is potentially set to declare force majeure on key oil operations due to escalating attacks on the NOC. Plans to shift the NOC’s headquarters to safer areas are being discussed as well. Despite conflicting reports regarding a security incident, the NOC assures that oil production is stable. The overall oil output has seen fluctuations due to political strife and confrontations since 2014, but levels are currently steady at 1.3 million barrels per day.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
