UN Threatens Sanctions Over Libya Oil Disruption

The United Nations has issued a warning to Libya regarding potential sanctions following attacks on its oil infrastructure. The warning comes after an armed group closed Valve No. 7 on the Sharara-Zawiya pipeline, causing significant production and revenue losses.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) estimated that the four-day shutdown resulted in 720,362 barrels of lost crude production and more than $75 million in direct financial losses. The NOC warned that a prolonged disruption could affect fuel supplies and force additional refinery units to shut down.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated that the continued disruption is affecting Libya's main source of national income, causing losses in oil production and public revenue while raising risks to fuel supplies and electricity generation. The mission recalled that actions targeting or undermining Libya's oil infrastructure may constitute grounds for measures under relevant Security Council resolutions.

The immediate disruption was eased when Valve No. 7 was reopened on Saturday, allowing crude flows to gradually return to normal.