NOC reinstates force majeure on Libya’s largest oilfield “Sharara”
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The Libya Observer reports that the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the reinstatement of force majeure on crude oil loadings at Al-Zawiya port starting on Tuesday, July 30.
The NOC added that this decision was prompted by a new illegal Sharara pipeline valve closure halting crude oil supply from Sharara to the port.
“NOC has also 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 to restart production as soon as possible.” The statement adds.
The Chairman of the NOC, Mustafa Sanallah said this latest incident only serves to highlight the fragility of the security environment and total disregard for the impact of such acts on the lives of everyday Libyans.
In the meantime, the statement said that Akakus has informed the General Electric Company of Libya (GECOL) of the subsequent disruption to Ubari power plant crude oil supply, adding that alternative arrangements are being prepared to ensure continued operations at the power station.
Last week, NOV said Sharara oilfield had regained its production capacity levels after force majeure had been lifted on July 23.
That incident in late July caused a loss of 290.000 bpd of crude – that is about 19 million dollars a day.
The Libya Observer also reports that the pilot of Libyan L-39 Albatross jet who landed on a rural road in Tunisia on July 22 had refused orders from Haftar’s forces to hit targets in Tripoli and has now defected.
The Tunisian source denied the narrative of Haftar’s forces and Tunisian government that the Libyan pilot conducted an emergency landing in Tunisia due to a technical glitch in the navigation system of the aircraft.
