Libya’s state National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported yesterday that an armed military group closed Valve No. 7, halting the flow of crude oil from the Sharara field—operated by Akakus Oil Operations—to Zawia Port.
This closure caused a pressure buildup in the crude oil pipeline, resulting in a significant drop in production at the Sharara field.
The NOC confirmed that it has contacted the Petroleum Facilities Guard (Southwest) and urged them to fulfil their duties; however, these appeals have yielded no results so far, and technical teams have been unable to access the area of Valves 6 and 7.
The NOC warned that the continuation of this closure will halt Sharara field production, transport, and export operations. This would directly harm the national economy by reducing state revenues—particularly given rising global oil prices—and expose the oil transport system and its facilities to technical and operational risks.
Could force shutdown of Zawia Oil Refinery
Furthermore, it would force the shutdown of the Zawia Oil Refinery, thereby increasing the cost of importing fuel from abroad.
The NOC called upon those responsible for the closure to exercise reason and wisdom, prioritize the national interest over narrow agendas, and reopen the pipeline immediately. It also called on the relevant authorities to assume their responsibilities regarding the security and protection of oil sites, keeping them free from protests, demonstrations, or similar activities.
The NOC emphasized that oil and its facilities belong to the Libyan people, and that maintaining continuous production and protecting these assets is a shared national responsibility.
The NOC said it may also be forced to declare force majeure if this shutdown continues.
