Libyan Pipeline Reopens After Armed Group's Shutdown

Oil production has resumed in Libya after an armed group shut down the pipeline connecting the Sharara field to the Zawiya export terminal. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that the seventh valve had been reopened, allowing crude oil transportation to resume.

The shutdown caused a significant drop in oil production and resulted in estimated losses of $95 million, according to the NOC. The pipeline is operated by Akakus, a joint venture between the NOC, Repsol, TotalEnergies, OMV, and Equinor.

Blockades of oil infrastructure facilities have occurred repeatedly in Libya in recent years, often due to social grievances, security threats, or political disputes. The reasons for this latest blockade are not specified by the NOC, nor what demands were made.