The National Oil Corporation (NOC) in Libya announced on Tuesday a “partial” suspension of production at one of the country’s largest oil fields, operated in partnership with Spanish company Repsol and French company Total, following social protests at the site.
Force Majeure Declared Due to Sit-in
The NOC declared a “state of force majeure” due to a sit-in organized by the Fezzan Movement, a group from the southern Libyan region.
This legal measure allows the NOC to be exempt from liability for any failure to meet its delivery contracts under exceptional circumstances.
Impact on Oil Production and Fuel Supply
Located about 900 km south of Tripoli, al-Sharara normally produces 315,000 barrels per day, contributing to a national production of over 1.2 million barrels per day.
This field is the main supplier of the Zawiya refinery (northwest), which in turn supplies the local market with fuel. The field is managed by Akakus, a joint venture between NOC, Repsol, Total, Austria’s OMV, and Norway’s Statoil.
History of Blockades and Political Instability
Blockades of oil and gas sites have been frequent in recent years in Libya, often linked to social demands, security threats, or political disputes.
Since the fall and death of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya, which has the most abundant oil reserves in Africa, has struggled to emerge from over a decade of chaos and division, with two governments vying for power.
NOC Calls for Support and Stability
The NOC did not specify the protesters’ demands but urged all parties involved to “support” its efforts to “stabilize and increase production.”
Fezzan Movement’s Demands
In a video broadcast on Monday by local media, a dozen people demonstrated in front of the oil site entrance, identifying themselves as the “Fezzan Movement.” They claim to advocate for development projects, jobs, and environmental protection.
Government Condemns Blockade
The Tripoli-based government (west) denounced in a statement “the attempts to close al-Sharara,” calling these actions “political blackmail.” The country’s resources cannot be used to “exert pressure for political purposes,” it added.
Fezzan’s Control and Political Rivalry
Fezzan is controlled by the camp of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the strongman of eastern Libya and a major rival of Abdelhamid Dbeibah, the head of the Tripoli government recognized by the UN.