Archive
Sabotage halts Sharara production – force majeure reinstated
National Oil Corporation (NOC) announces the reinstatement of force majeure on crude oil loadings at Zawiya port commencing Tuesday, July 30, 2019. This decision was prompted by a new illegal Sharara pipeline valve closure halting crude oil supply from Sharara to the port. This is the second illegal valve closure and breach of pipeline security by unidentified perpetrators in the last ten days.
NOC has notified commercial partners of this development. Staff from NOC’s subsidiary, Akakus Oil Operations attempted to reopen the valve but were prevented from doing so by a local armed group. Negotiations are ongoing in an effort to restart production as soon as possible.
NOC Chairman, Eng. Mustafa Sanalla said: “This latest incident only serves to highlight the fragility of our security environment and total disregard for the impact of such acts on the lives of everyday Libyans. The loss of production at Libya’s largest oilfield severely disrupts power supply to the grid and continued funding of basic services. This is most acutely felt by communities in the South. The perpetrators of this incident must be brought to justice and the rule of law upheld. Adequate operational budget must be secured to strengthen industrial security procedures to prevent further such incidents.”
Akakus has informed the General Electric Company of Libya (GECOL) of the subsequent disruption to Obari power plant crude oil supply. Alternative arrangements are being prepared to ensure continued operations at the power station.
July 31, 2019
Tripoli