The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reports that a group from the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) illegally closed the valve on the main oil transport pipeline (Hamada–Zawiya) today.
This action caused a sudden pressure surge at the Al-Tahara field connection point, resulting in a complete halt to production and operations at the Hamada field (NC8), Al-Tahara field (NC4), and Station NC5.
The NOC condemns these actions, which harm the national economy, inflict severe damage on field operators, and exacerbate the crises already facing Libya’s oil sector amidst the repercussions of the global crisis.
The NOC also rejects threats by certain actors to shut down the North Hamada field (operated by Nafusah Oil Company)—or any other fields or wells—under the pretext of sit-ins or demands intended to pressure it through such illegal means. It calls upon those behind this movement to exercise reason, safeguard the Libyan people's assets and wealth, and pursue legal channels to address any grievances.
Furthermore, the NOC announces that it may be compelled to declare force majeure should the valve remain closed or if other fields face similar forced shutdowns.
It calls upon the relevant state authorities to fully assume their responsibilities by taking action to resolve this crisis and eliminate its underlying causes. Shutting down oil fields and halting production operations at this critical juncture—as the world experiences a surge in crude oil prices—deals a devastating blow to the national economy.
This is a move unacceptable to anyone who holds dear the land that our forefathers defended.
Consequently, the Corporation appeals to the protesters from the Petroleum Facilities Guard—appealing to their patriotism and sense of belonging to this land—to act responsibly, exercise reason and restraint, pursue legitimate legal channels to claim their rights, and reject actions unbecoming of those entrusted by the people to protect their wealth and assets; they must not betray this trust.
Such actions will inevitably damage Libya’s global reputation as a stable energy supplier and threaten the state's ability to meet its obligations—specifically the payment of employee salaries—given that oil revenues are the sole and primary source of funding for the state treasury.
PFG blockades Zawia Refinery entrance
It will be recalled that on 13 September Zawia Oil Refinery confirmed the news, that had been circulating on social media for several days, that the Ministry of Defence’s Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) had blockaded its main entrance in an industrial action protesting their pay and conditions.
The PFG is the entity charged by the Tripoli Ministry of Defence with the security of Libya’s sensitive petroleum facilities.
Petroleum Facilities Guards Blockade Zawia Oil Refinery Main Entrance
