Production at several oil fields in Libya has been halted after the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) closed valves on crude oil pipelines.
On September 15, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that PFG members had shut valves on a pipeline connecting Hamada and Zawiya, leading to a suspension of production at the Hamada, Tahrir, and NC5 oil fields.
The NOC warned that if the valve closures continue or similar shutdowns occur at other oil fields, it may declare force majeure.
A declaration of force majeure is a legal notice that relieves a party from fulfilling contractual obligations due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as war or natural disasters.
The PFG is reportedly demanding that the Ministry of Defense transfer its organization administratively and financially under the NOC.
The PFG has called on the Prime Minister's office and the NOC to expedite the necessary administrative and financial procedures for the transfer and to provide a specific implementation schedule.
Additionally, starting from that day, the PFG announced a partial reduction in production at several fields, including Wafa, Al-Kamasa, and El-Feel, warning of a complete production halt if their demands are not met.
Oil is a crucial source of revenue for Libya, accounting for about 90% of the national economy. However, since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, political turmoil has led to multiple disruptions in oil field operations.
The NOC criticized the closure of oil fields and the suspension of production activities, stating, "At a critical time when global oil prices are rising, shutting down oil fields and halting production is a devastating blow to the national economy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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