In a statement issued today, UNSMIL said it is concerned that the continued disruption of the Sharara-Zawia oil pipeline is adversely affecting Libya's principal source of national income, causing significant losses in oil production and public revenues, and risks disrupting fuel supplies, electricity generation and other essential services relied upon by Libyans across the country. Prolonged disruption would increase the need for fuel imports and place additional pressure on public finances.
While acknowledging workers' right to peacefully raise legitimate socio-economic demands, UNSMIL calls on all actors to protect the integrity of oil and energy facilities and ensure that technical and operational personnel can safely access and maintain them. Oil and energy infrastructure and public resources must remain protected from political and security disputes, which should be addressed through peaceful means, and preserved in the interests of all Libyans. UNSMIL recalls that attacks against, or actions that undermine, Libya's oil and energy infrastructure may constitute grounds for the imposition of measures under relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2213 (2015).
UNSMIL urges the relevant authorities and security actors, to engage as a matter of urgency and take the necessary measures to resolve any associated disputes peacefully, to ensure the restoration of the flow of crude oil and safeguard the operations of the Zawiya Refinery and related facilities.