Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared force majeure at the country’s largest oilfield, Al-Sharara, on Sunday, citing production shutdown by protesters.
Last Wednesday, a group protesters shutdown oil production at the oilfield, calling on authorities to address fuel shortage in the country’s southern region of Fezzan, among other demands.
The shutdown of Al-Sharara has not affected the El Feel oilfield, which is located near Sharara, according to press reports.
Crude oil shipments to the port of Zawiya, some 49 km (30.4 miles) west of Tripoli, have been halted as a result of the closure, the NOC said in a statement.
“Negotiations are currently ongoing in an attempt to resume production as soon as possible,” said NOC.
Last Friday, Minister of Local Governance of the Government of National Unity, Badr El Din Al-Toumi, met with the mayors of the municipalities of Libya’s southern region to discuss the closure of Al-Sharara and the protesters’ demands.
The strategic oilfield has been the target of numerous shutdowns by both protesters and armed groups in recent years.
The closure is spurring fears domestically and abroad at a time of global market turbulence. Libya’s oil ministry warned partners may exit if oilfields remain shuttered, jeopardizing electricity generation.